COLLECTION  OF  PURITAN  AND 
ENGLISH  THEOLOGICAL  LITERATURE 


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LIBRARY  OF  THE  THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY 


PRINCETON,  NEW  JERSEY 


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y/y^      Bound  by 

^AVIDGE  &  KrIMMEL 


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D^xipUncj,  the  A.:c  of  Perfom-  to  be  admirted  to  th.  „ 
.'^bich  are  to  be  dkermiaed  by  Moral  Rule. 

;'..  Many  tbmgs  that  arecommaaded  In  Church  Affair 
piopei  conK^quenctjs  of  yT/oral  Rules:  And  fo  don't  need  an  in-  ■ 
ftitution :  There  be  mznf  tfAng^  occalloaaUy  commanded  •  Which  do 
niDt  properly  belong  to  Divine  iQttkutionii^  that  are  not  Branches  of  , 
the  {econcl  Commandment,  but  proper  deduf^tori  from  A/oral  Ruks ; 
So  that  about  Reconciliation  to  an  offended  Brother,  Matt-         •:  i^  ^ 

For  Cbrijl  d'idmt nommakc  ?;.•   jcwlfh  injlituttons  :  So  that 
private  deaiiag  vvith  an  ofTeaaing  Brother,  A/^trf?      ■    ;■    ;6.  ;:»o 
thoff:  Rules,  1  Tfw.        7,  J9»    i  Cor.  u.  28.  And  mar-y  c: 
plain  Movai  Duties. 

3.  />^oral  Rules  m«;0:  be  atteo^ded  in  Church'  Afi^lrs  as  wel^ 
other  ihings;  Rules  tor  doi.r!g  things  that  are  for  Peace,  1. 
and  for  the  good  of  our  Neigh bf>*i-s,  bind        Ecclefiaicicai  ca 
well  as  in  Cml  and  Dornellical  :  Therefore  they  are^Genera 
pounded,  fhiL  4.  8,  Te;? ;  l^ere  i.f  more  weight;  to  he  laid  on  thcn^ 
m  injlittii-ions^  Mar.  _.  _,,.    vVe  man:  never  A-^^c contrary  D- 
Rules  j  Churches  are  bound  to  MoxzS.  Fiules,  as  well  as  other  So... 
ties  ;  'We  have  no  liberty  in  the  AdminiP'ri^*^^ -^f  ^^^  -^^ossof 
'^'^ds  Houfe  to  break  /j^'oral  Rules. 

.:..  Old  Teilament  inftitutions  c-  Agre:it  par.  v.  Ui 
iaftitations  are  abolilhed  :  AH  typical  Laws  are  out  of  Date  ;  But 
Ibrne  hiftitutions  that  were  in  force  then  are  in  farce  now  :  Thus; 
Church  Societies^  the  Preaching  of  the  Word,  Fafts,  Thankfgiv- 
ings,  are  to  be  attended  fiilL     Confider, 

I .  They  and  we  are  under  the  fame  Gofpel,  cnerc  was  the  fame 
way  of  Salvation  then  as  now,  they  were  under  a  Covr         c^ 
Grace  and  Saved  by  Chrifl  as  well  as  we 5  Heh,  4.  2,.  Hence  cnerc  ' 
feveral  things  common  to  thera  and  us  •  Hence  the  People  of  G 
under  the  Old  and  New  Teflament  mti^il  be  fuchashavc  a- 
Union  to  Chrift  \  they  and  we  mull  ha.ve  figns  reprefentingChri-v 
I  Cor.  10.  3,  4. 

z.  The  Mature  of  2  Church  is  the  fame  under  both  T 
A  Church  is  not.  one  kind  of  thing  in  the  Q>\^,  TUta^-  nd  -cino- 

ther  in  the  Nev/  :  But  it  has  the  fam  £  elTenoe.  and  •. 
matter  of  the  Church  and  the  form  is  the  (ame  -  The  Church  tiieii 
ik)od  in  the  fame  relation  to  God,  was  appointed  ior  rorrjm^n^r.T 
with  God,  and  enjoyed  his  prefence  as  now. 

3.  There  were  lever al  Ordinances  in  the  jewiHi  Church,  that-  h-^ 
no  partlcalar  reference  to  the  tim.es  before  Chrift;  or  ro  any  .c  ,1 
cular  condition  tSf  that  People :  And  luch  Ordinances  iivni  to  be  of 

B  force 


*o- 


i  •■    J.tf.ii»/ViVit, 


;  V  4  V 

foice  fcill,  as  their,  bavii  .    ,  Convocation^  £^2;.  23.  13.  So 

aiuch  of  the  woik  of  tne  Pr._.. .  they  wore  to  teach  the  People,  Dsut, 
33:10.  They  were  to  blefs  the  People,  Nwn,6.2^.  So  it  was  their 
manner  h  loicmn  Prayer  and  BkfTmg  to  by  cyi  hands ;  "So  Excomiuii- 
cation,  which  is  to  continue  in  the  ChrlllianChorch,  AMth.  18.  i-t. 

4-.  We  arc-  referred  in  fome  cafes  ^to  thofe  iaftitutions :  God 
fends  us  to  the  Law  for  light,  uirects  us  to  do  as  was  appointed  in 
the  Old  Tetlament ;  So  about  Wo  ^ "  :,  not  fpeaking  in 'the  Church/ 
?  Cor.  14,  34.  So  about  the  mauiteiiance  ot  Minilters,  Gal.  6,  5. 
I  Cor.^.  13,  14. 

3.  -JSlew  Teftament  IniCiCutions,  there  were  fome  inilitutions  ap- 
-.ninted  by  Chriit  v^lider  the  Gofpel^  tiiefe  are  few;  priacipaliy, 
what  Officers  (hall  be  in  the  Church,  fhi^  Sacraments  of  Ba^tifm^  ^nd 
■■:  Lords  Sur         'ndthfifirft day  Sahhatk. 

1.  Wc  niuic  difdngiufh^becv/een  Temporal  and  Perpetnarinititw- 
ticijs  !  Scmt  inftitutlons  we're  only  for  a  time,  as  the  Office  of  the 
Apoftles .  So  the  a'^mlntlng  of  the  fid  wHh  Oyl^  Jam.  5.14.  There  are 
or'hers  that  are  to  continue  to  the  en<lof  the  World  .-  "So  is  Baptifm^ 
Matth.  20,  Tk  Lords  Supper^  r  Cor.  1 1 .  26.  Thefe  Ordinances  will 
net  be  removed  asjervifij  Ceremonies,  //e^.  13,2/8. 

2.  Dilliiiguiih  between  approvcd'practifes  and  inHitutions,  there 
vvercmany  pradlifes  and  iniHtiitions,  there  v/erc  many  prat'tifes  .m 
the  p':irw.itive  times  that  were  approved,  yet  not  binding  to  lis : 
The  Church  at  Jcrufalem  had  feven  Deacons,  .Ms  6.  5.  fhey  did 
Baptize  in  private  Houfes.^  Aft.  ic.  33.  Chrift  fini  out  his  Difcipks  tvpo 
Wripo,  Luk.  10.  I.  This  doth  not  flicw  that  thefe  things  v/erein- 
ilitutions  5  that  is  meet  to  bedorie  in  one  cafe,  that  h  not  meet  to 
be  done  in  another ;  One  or  two  Examples  fhew  the  Lawfulnefs  of  a 
praftife,  but  do  not  make  it  a  bindipg  Rule, 


^^^ 


C  H  '  ^ 


\  i 


IL 


The  Nature  of  In/Ututed  Ch^r^h^^  Ex 

plained- 

^f^ri  ii  vv  oi:d  ck^'Ci/ isUiCQi:i.quiv-caiiy^  there  art   ihrce  ie;:jK 
J^     efpecially^  wherein  it  is  ufed  in  the  Scripture, 
Jrirjv^  It  is  tak^n  for  thofe  that  are  Spiritually  Ur 
the  miltical  Body  of  Chrift,  E^k  ^.  'hat  he  mt^k  p-efim   it  t'» 

himilif  a  Glorious  Church. 

Secondly,  For  tba^partof  the  World  that  doth  profefs  tlie  tn-e 
faith  for  them  that  are  vifibie  Chriilians. 


muccl  untoChriir, 


I  Coy 


^ch  of 


Jhirdly^  It  is  taken  for  anlnftit'ited  Church  ;,  this  Cliiirch  i<i  in- 
vefted  by  Chrif:  with  Spiritual  Power  and  is  thus  defined  i  A  ' 
is  a  Society  of  Saints  )oyned  togetiier,  according  to  the  apr  oinc- 
ment  of  Chriil  for  the  conftant  carrying  on  of  his  publick 
friip  .•  A  Church  is  S  Society^  a  fingle  Perfon  is  not  a  Chv 
Church  is  a  Collection  or  Coiigvegative  Body,  confliling  oi   . 
Members,  i  Cor,  12.  2,7.   Ye  are  the  Body  of  Chrifland  Men 
in  particulars,  Jhence  it  is  compared  to  a  flock  and  other  Colic- 
Bodies  :  It  Is  a  Society  of  Saints,  Tl^e  Memhen  zf  a  Church  an  ■- 
by  calling,  i  Cor  ■  '    12.  To  the  Churj:h  of  God  which  is  at  C ./;.-..  v 
to  them,  which  arc  fandified  '  ^  "".hrift  jefus,  called  to  be  Saints 
I  Cor.  14.  33.  In  all  the  Churches  Oj   thcSamti^  the  Church  of    '    ^ 
was  a  Society  of  Saints^  Pfal.  79.  12,  u ,  Pfai.  i .  JVmts  are  to  ie  Akm 
hers  of  Jnjlituted  Churches^  hut  thofe  th^t        ^Mtm        of  thf  Catholic, 
Chwck     Particular  Churches  are  but  parts  and  brandies  of  t 
tholick  Church,  they  are  the  Churche^^  of  God,  the  Body  • 
theTenipie  of  God,    therefore  mufl  be   Holy.     Tk- 
ties  of  Patlfis  are  abu lively   called  Churchc^        •-•.  Church  cio: 
together  for  the  Publick  carrying  on  of  the  Wc   \ 
Family  joyning  together  for  the  private  carrvine  '^n  ot  the  Wovi 
of  God  is  not  a  Church  1  \ve  read  of  a  Chare'".  Houfe  or 

.,  Roffj,  16".  5.   And  in  the  Hoafe  of  Nymph.^\  Col.  4.  15.  ^ 
caufe  there  the  publick  Worfhip  of  G^-^  w-q  ^^  fric  Churc 

doth  joyn.  for  thecarrying  on  of  p.,...  .  .-, ...,  ...  ,  ...  the  Preach 
iiigofthe  word,  the  Adm'"*'''^'':3»'i^^  -^^  c^r-ir-in-.tc  in?  A'^", 
of  Ceafares  in  a  publicly  w 


n'J; 


iV 


^ 


.'^"CFtffcn  act'fi'Jcyn  logctbcr  lor  rnc  tonliant  carrying  on  of  the 
pnblick  Worfnip  of  God,  for  a  Church  is  a  Body  Corporate,- wiu;;. 
may  contina?  from  Generation  to  Generation,  it  is  not:  any  occafT 
onai  Meeting  together,  that  gives  being  to  a  Church  :  A  Church  lit 
>:il3nding  Society,  not  depending  on  aqy  occafiopial  Meeting ;  There - 
jfoie  a  Congregation  that  meet  top^ether  on  a  Lecture  Day^  from  fe- 
veral  Towns  to  hear  the  Word  Preached  are  not  a  Church,  neither 
^ave  any  Eccleikfticai  Power/  Yea,  a  iynod' that  meet  .now  and 
then  occanonafly,  though  it  may  be  called  a  reprefentatiye  Church 
is  not  a  Church  properly  ;  the  Members  thereof  are  chofen  for  a 
pcrticuiar  occafton  :  A  Church  doth  joyn  togechet  according  to 
Ghriils  appointment  -,  Chrift  has  given  a  Ruk  according  to  which 
they  ought  to  joyn  together,  and  if  Men  joyn  in  Wcrfhiping  with 
a  Church  irregularly,  that  d^es  not  make  them  to  be  Members  of 
that  Church ,-  If  4  man  that  lives  in  one  Town  where  there  is  a 
Church,  doih  joyn  conilantly  in  woribiping  with  another  Church, 
that  doth  not  mnke  him  a  Member  of  that  Church. 

Qiicil.  f^f'ho  utp.  vijibk  Sainvs  ? 

^■^nfiv^  This  Queilion  hath  bsen  matter  of  great  debate,  and  an  oc- 
callon  of  great  contention  in  the  Church  ;  we  may  not  count  tliofe 
only  to  be  Saints,  who  after  the  (tncXefbExalniaation,  giveconli- 
lerablc  ':ividence  that  they  are  Saints :  We  have  no  fuch  Psule,  the 
practice  of  the  A poftlejii  in  admitting  Members  into  the  C^iifrian 
■rch,  doth  not  Countenance  any  fuch  Opinion,  aeither  are  we  to 
nake  Baptized  Ferfon^  and  Vifibie  Saints  to  be  the  fame  ^  for  Per- 
bus  mi3il  be  Viiible  Saints  before  they  are  Baptized  •,  and  Ibme  that 
ire  Baptized,  may  ceafe^obe  Vi  ible  Saints  -,  neither  are  chey  only 
/ifible  Saints,  that  make  a  profeiTion  of  the  true  R^ligici  pyaed 
vith  an  Holy  Converfjition  t  So'me  Men  may  behave  themfeives 
b  as  to  deferve  a  fenteviceof  Excommunication,  'and  yet  be  Vifibic 
aints  :  Vifible  Sainifbip  ?.nd  real  Saintfbip,  may  confift  with  a  great 
leal  of  iniquity  in  the  Con /erfation  for  a  rime. 

Vifibls  Saints  are  fuch  as  make    a    ferious  profefllon  of    the 
rue  Religion,  together  with  thof^  that  do  defcend  from  them,  til? 

^.j^Eicd  ot  God. 

>  i .  Such  as  do  make  a  fenous  profefllon  of  the  true  Religion,  arc 
rifible  Saints  ;  we  hnd  the  Apoftles-did  really  accept  of  fuch,  not 
waiting  to  fee^  what  their  Converfacion  would  be,  J{f.  id,  14, 1 5, 
0  did  7c'fcw,  Luk.  7.  29,  30,  Such  are  to  k  accepted  nntkout  delay, 
Ifl.  Their  infant  Sted  are  likewife  Vifible  Saints,  God  gm:'Jth;^i 
Tt^^imoay  tor  them,  \  Cor,  7.  M-         • 

u  Such 


pvn 


■1.     V"  ■  x   i;^ 


"nev  moi-iu  ca 


tion.  r^-^'-  they  g^e  rejeded  by  God'  are  ^-^ 
that'an  .  Jt)k  Sji^its  don^c  ceafc  to  be  fo^  -. 
offi  So  It  waswich  £hePo.«b^ri:y  cf  ^^r^;*^*^;?; 
,.  ■-;...;?    or  it  they  fhoald  feUim   ^  ^vsly^  yc.  ui;.y  areViiibl 

h  rtjeded  th-^mj  ^Ui*  ui^^re  are  two  ways  when' 
ain.y  ji.wv,  i.i.^  rcjeftr  - ■  '  ^  them^  Or^  is  when  ifccy  do  depart  n c 
^"^     "ches  of  God  to  Heaihen  or  AnticbriflLan  Societies,  the  otr^^r  s?^ 
Wisea  ihe  Ff:opk  that  they  belong  uaio  and  iky  -  kh  ^heoi  are  un- 
church vd  by  C :  '. 


ild  > 


,0f  f 


C  H   \  P.    !II 


•f?  &/  a  C 


<^ 


f 


S  a  CinI  Society  doiu  ..^nfift  of  oae  Towo,  oi  ^.iurt  ^  oy.  u^^ 
_  _     ib  aa  inftkiTted  Church  is  either  Con|regadonaK  ^"^'^  . 
whicn  coniin-s  of  ^^  "^rs  Goiigr^'  -^'  )ns. 

A  Con.  I  Chi:irch  h  ^^  uiiurch  rhai;  *s  bound  by 

p^        e^  Oi  ijoa  lO  aflcmbic  ^       '   r  m  c  -,  ia  a  cc. 

w^  i'.y       ^  Cekbt>5tion  of  hi^  r 
oral  Cburch,  is  a  Chorch  coi  ' 
read  of,  -/i^,  :/*o.  7.  i  Cvf\  14.  la         :j  tom\  of  a  C'' 
C^         is,  that  they  ar^  botiad  ^y  tr\si  app^rfmcut  ot     . 
icT^ybie  in  one  pitic*^  in  ?*  cORi^:ant  way  for  rhr?  C 
?         ;  Worh  nol  s  ( 

^    /inai  Ch;:^r ,  .  .e^t         or  implicitc^  w"cr?- 

ih  they  bir.d  the.        estowalktc  .     er  according  fo  the  order  of 
theGofpci ;  ic  i!i  thcmght  thai  tli€  Children  of  //r4c/?  Cry^^^x^rw^^^^ 
with  God  b  a  Foundatio;;  for  * -^^    whereas  r^^i-  CovTth.. . . .         ,.  i> 

is  20  ocfcer^  them  whavall  O  ..,v....... do  ma^w,  ^vhr^  --^ey  .,..^s^^ 

profeiBon  of  Faith  act!  Obcdierte  ^  we  nercr  r^  u. 
I'dV  Coretjant  ^•'^"'^  ia  the  Syr'  "^-^nes^  which  A^iCwer 
gregatVon.%  Wi*^.;r«i>y  die  Mc.u,,;;sof  one  5 


!■%■«''     iZ-i-'     ., 


one  to 


n^thilng  el    ^.i 

.t5  be 


e  lb 


»  i_     •  1!  ' 

pk  •  -'tbotau  4.  :'  ^  ■' 

what  ci,.-  itut        ;  -  free  ithe  i 

|f'  to  die  Go        neni  Cii  «.deTc'        and  tnoQiriit 

;?,  -^ei^  the;  Lac^j  uo- jj  l,  •        :y  bur  sire  i 


i.i.v^:. 


giihli  ODc Church  from  aiiother^  aitcl  to  avv^ia  --o.nuuoa  ^i  Cuurches, 

............       ' -ch  paitieJiari^OYf- •■  ^'        --    ■  -'^        - 

luve  ii ''-  prccCUL  for  it,  W€  have  do  ptcua^iiu  lo:  ii  i  wc  r^aa  oi  lai  ■ 

■lal  Ciliircbes  but  there  is  no  SvUable  in  the  ' 
timating  arfy  litch  i^!n.g.   -neither  is  there  a;^y   5iem 


oi  it. 


Tr.  '        3f  a  CoagregatiOn  are  bound  to  carry  on    the 

^chcr^  this  i^  Gods  appoit^tin?         iiat  bis  ^r 

-:chcr  Ihoald  carry  on  his  Worllup  cogctfter,  the  Cir       ,  us. 

:it  C  or  imb  ii?c  the  Church  of  Corin^b^  i  Cor,  i.i.  And  the  Chrifti- 

'las  at  Ephrfiii  are  the  Church  of  Ephefus  ^  Order  calls  for  it,  that 

.vhere  Men  live,  there  they  ioya  together  to  carry  on  the  Work  of 

Gh.  r  a  Chri.uiari  live  in  a  TowiTj  where  there  is  a  Church,  he 

lelybo'-'i^d  to  iovi  with  that  Church  *,  and  that  Church  is 


■.'V 

c 


hira  t 


I    -f-'i^r;  ,  I 


CiilSrCii 


,:id  give  hio>.  Ghriilian  Privi  ledges  >  * 
...  .re  b'e  feme  cafes  whereia  there  is  need  of  humane  pradeiice  I'x 
'-^^ter miring  how  many  Churches  (ball  be  m  fome  Towns:  Sorae 
i  jwasarife  to  be  nftxierous,  fothat  it  is  lit  they  ihould  bejoynediii 
fevfral  Societies :  And  fome  are  fo  fniall  and  l^e  fo  near  together^ 
rlidC  it  is  fit  that  two  or  more  fhordd  make  one  Churchy'  in  fuch  cafes 
Qr---^  -ppoliited  that  tfie  bounds  of  Churches  •;  '  "(et  either  by 
peac  r,reemc.^f^  *or  by  order  from  Authority,  buv  there  is  no 
ac  e-^ery'  fvleiiiber  (hould  Coveaaiit  particularly  with  the 
Gtiant  this  particular  Covenant  to  be  the  form  of  a  C'horch, 
'  ilian  may  conuoi^^e  a  confiderabk  time,  without  any 
r€i3tic?o  to  :  ticahr  Ch^irch,  tho  he  lives  where  there  is  a  Church  : 
And  then  a  U.i<^  may  bea  Member  of  the  Church  of  Corinth  for  ie- 
veci  yejirs  together^  and  live  "all  that  while  m  Comniunioa  v»rith  the 
Church  at  "jcrufal^in  \  a  Covenant  which  he  lives  m  the  coatirx'ual 
breach  of,  makes  a  Member  at  Corimh^  aad  viccording  to  forne, 
'^vjcihlm  zi  rierbt  to  all  Ordinaaccs  •  Gr^at  this  particubr  Cove- 
nwi  and  we  Ihall  t>e  to  leek,  what  <■  hurcii  jnany  Children  do  belong 
t.^  the  father  is  in  Covenaat  with  one  Church,  the  -Mother  with  aao- 
...  5  the  Child  'vvas  Bipdzed  ia  a  ihird  and  lives  ia  a  fourth  .-  This 
.. citrine  of  the  particular  Covenant  which  is  wholly  nnicripturr-il, 
is  ivtc  reav^a  that  mmj  among  us  are  (hal  out,  of  t^ 


y->U 


1  /  ■ 


belong. 


M 


Tl 


'%y 


14    A    P 


r't 


^'  .f  \  -f 


em 


H  E  gr€at  Pri?iisdge  of  Cong-.. ^...-...  ..^. 
X    ^bcir  own  Officers,   tli€|' h3ve\4ibcrty  f^^ 
God  toclioofe  iuteable  FerfonstCOiEce,  they  an.  .. 
fitly  qualified,  butt?i§  Friviiedge  et  chooilng  tiiem  ^^v      ■--'' 
Co  tm  ^'^^"Tchj  k  k  vety  probable,  t^^^-  ^"'"   r.  .,.-...,-... 
iiad  iii;wu/ to  chopfe  their  o:wn  MiHx^uis 

^":'ibe  of  I^i^^,  yet  out  of  the  I.evi:*^s  ct.cy  ci:OOK 
leives       ' '        "f,  thus  it  ought  to  be  i.  " "    i  Churcbc-^ 

i^Ilks  Oiderta  the  Church  oi:  "1^:-  ^        .o  cnoo;' 
cons.  ,/^,  5.  3,  4*    ^    y  dia  not  take  upon  them  to  prci 
the  Ferlbns  fhouid  be,  and  impoie  Deaco        i  them,  b: 
liie  liiatter  to^their  own  choice ,  and  the  r 
of  which  God  chofe  one  to  be  an  Apoftle,  -^i^^, 

BeHde  is  the  Pri         ^e  of  a'ufree  Sodedes  to'd^o^ 

c«rs  t.  fuch  Cauntrv^^  a-i  arc  conquei*d 
'?        ,  nor  fuch  €ountrys  v/here  the  Governa^cnt  h  Hcrcdjt?. 
11 -.      are  free,  neither  uader  the  Powc         ponqaero... 
Bond  of  a  Covenant  do  chooif*  t^Hr  nv/n   _.^-€r<i  ekher  d, 
or  i mffied lately  .•  Ail  che  P^-  '^^''^"  '^^""    -^  ^^-•^-'^ ' 

v>y  their  owaconfenc,  dlrcc^    .. 
wherda  God  is  pleated  €0  appoi 
point  Rulers  over  them  ;  God  app 
to  the  Office  of  the  Priefthcod'i: 
pointed  any  Ofe-jers  in  Chorches  n 
an/  that  Irall  impofe  Ol^cers  over 
frc€  choice.  « 

^'ea,  v?herea  Church  bath  ten- 
iLhc:re  is  no  ncceiHtv'  that  ?ht;/  il^ 
<ic  not  con  lent,  yet  if  there  be  the 
(choice  is  vail  id  \  the  Officer 


frr*- 


Jv^iii* ' 


LiV^xV  r. 


,  if  they 


•friLc 


'  ;C 


e  lome  wsign 


^'T 


^f  tbeCaasa 


imifll 


=*ov/er  ia  cl);paie  .  own  .:  .^;. ,  fb 
:k  to  dioofe  tliofc  thaf  ftiali  lu|k;ly 
^  J\&  Charch  is  ^jntrufled  with  IdMci* 


Church  h 
wOf  need  they  bw?:- 

^^'^vr .,.L  tor.hecarr/mgO!iof  Gods  work;  Thei«efore  ij^ 


^acat'c-yof  .1  p.s?>r.'-   r^r-t?  r-;iy  choof^  One  to  Preach  to- 


tbe;>.  ._  ^♦ume^  in  cafe*  ..^^ts,  tine 

dcrator  *,  !a  cafe  they  ha. .. ....  ^,  ;r  .vi.i  th^y  ma 

theD 


ly  cftooic  a  Mo- 

,         .       .        >r^  one  to  do 

lie  D^''^-"^^s  work,  yea  m  cafe  iheix  be  need,  theyiaay  ehoofeibms 

^^"""^^  aiuulterof  theGoipclj  to  Admiiiiftcr  the'Se^k  of  the  Co- 

•    Qt  psr-formfonie  «4<^t  of  GavcnHrnent  v^pou  a-. particular 

By  £b€  lame  reafba  tv,        Ghur  ^       "  chooie  ^.ts  own  Officers,  it 
"r        ^-IfGcboofe  i.tsowii  Str-^rsnts;  r?^(ri;c^  is  called  a  Sf^irant  t>f  th 


Lii%f> 


Cnurchs  i^c-m.  6:  t..  So  were  Vv  iddows^  for  they  were  not  crdam- 
ad:.  So  their  Sexton  and  foch  as  Ihall  over-le^  the  mg%  or 

^iiy  orhei  Servants  that  ma^  be  for  the  convenlency  ot  the  Church. 

i      .':arch  Priviledge  of  choofing  Officers,^  doth  only  belong  to 
the  Brethren  of  the  Gbirchv  the  Brethren  are  fald  to  choofe  the 
Dt2LC0n%  Mh  6.  3.   And  Womm  have  not  Power  in  this  matter^  ^  Thr 
'4.,  3 J.    Let  yoitrWomen  keep  (ilence  in  the  Chunhs^  i  Tim.  ..,  _.,,. 

'  "^^^xiot  ri  Woman  to  teach,  nor  to  iifarp  Authority  over  xM 
.  ..u.,  ^t  is  iccoaftJlent  with  that  State  of  tubjcaion  wuic:h  God  hath 
vv,.*  ^?.^JJ,  ,^j^^^  ^f  i^Vj^gy  niiightvote^  they  nnghe  over-rule  the  Men, 


"tske  of  this  l&v' 


1  :^j£«::-;.9«^:ss>«rUfmcimtv;4aM&  ' 


1  %i^»  --^  t^pS 


x'x 


■1 


p. 


Ci/ 


df  (^Ofigregaiwnal  Churcues 
mMt  f- ^^r  Power. 


Th  ...  ..)i^cer>  -^^  Conf  ^vv^-hftnai  Churches  arc  either  Eiders 
'or  P'   ■  >ns^  .,    •  V^^'  ""'*T  teaching ElderSj  or  RdLng 


iLider-      '.i  u-w  ^r/"^""  Vi  s.*^ 


^>«ill•p.vl^r^•.^:J 


tll3  9 


ill  the  p 

the  Covenant,  they  together  with  the  Ruling  Eiders^  -r-  • 
the  Church,  and  they  are  to  blefs  the  People 

Such  Learned  Men  as  are  fuieably^qualiBed,  uut  noi  lu 
U}>osiocca!iaridirchargeicme  part  of  this  work'  ^,  but'/        iidornri 
other  parts  of  it,  that  they  may  not  meddis  vvl  '      hcic  Acts  vyhkh 
arc  Ads  of  Natural-^WoriJiip  may  be  perforaied  bj    '    ;i,  as  pray- 
ing ^Bd  Prcachiog^  but  (uch  Miniftcthl  Acts  as  do        ::iid  vvinoll' 
upon  inllitutioii,  they  may  not  perform,  as  ths  AdniinilLration  or 
Sacratnents,  the  diipencing  of  Ccn  lures  and  an  Authoritative  b-^ 
ling  J  th^k  are  performed  ooly  l.^y  Virtue  of  aiilaftitntioDj  there- 
fore are  to  be  done  only  accordini^  to  an  InCAtmoxu 

A  teaching  Elder  by  Vlrtae  ot  hi^  relation  to  a  particular  Church, 

ris  bound  to  attend  hk  work  in  that  Cho'rc.. .  uid  by  Virtue  of  that 
relation,  he  has  no  Authority  to  perform  Acts  of  Office  to  any  other 
Ch.urch,  or  to  the  Members  of  any  other  Church  AOembiiug  with 
his  own  Church  :  Pailoral  Power  over  a  particular  Church  glv^?:  hio: 
fio  Power  Over  any  that  are  ot  that  Church,  his  relation  to  them 
gi'/es  i'.im  no  Power  over  any  othen 

But  every  Man  that  is  a  Paftor  of  a  pariicular  ^^narch  ilands  in  d 
more  General  f clarion^  as  a  Miniiler  of  Chrilt^  Ibrne  that  arc  net 
Faftors  to  pardcular  Coiigregations  are  yet  Minlflers  of  Chrift ;  and 

.  jcvery  Man  that  is  a  Pallor  to  a  panicalar  Church  is  a  MirJfter  of 
Chrit?:,  and  by  Virtue  of  that  F^elation  he  m.iy  do  A&of  OHice 
the  Members  of  other ^^ Churches  occauonariy  ailer:  i^lth  h;s 

'  owti,  and  towards  other  Churches  being  deGred,.  wlic^  con- 

Yeniently  b2  fpared  from  his  own,  and  cowards  particular  Feifon-! 
that  are  Members  of  no  Church. 

The  Levites  were  the  Miniflers  of  God  before,  they  had  Relat._. 
to  any  particular  Synagogue-,  Paul  hath  Oi5qePower''ovcr  rh?  Brc 
th'^p  ^c  well  as  the  Church  of  God,  yi^.  26,  17,  t3.  T'^  '^'-rcb 
^i  c}7i  lent  Barnabas  to  Antioch^  to  officiate  as  a  Miuii-vi  ^  ..id:. 

^  '  :i'.z  they  that  h«ve  Authority  to  Preach  hav^  -''b  to  B3ptlze, 
/.  8. 19,  20.  vVc  find  that  P^i^i*  did  hoc  B^];a/:e  fac-"  "  ^^ 
'^rjugntover  to  the  Chrhtian  faith,  but  coinmitted  thatWcViiv  10 
foaie  other  infer ioar  Miniilcrs  that  were  in  Co  '..h  him, 

,1  Cot.  tf  14.  And  this  he  did  afcer  the  Eiampleoi  Chriil,  J'.^ 

,,2.  There  is  need  that  f^me  have  OfEce-Powtr  now  to  Preach  to  enc 
Heathens^  as  well  as  tiiere  was  ii\  tiie  Oays  of  the  Ap  1|| 

1/ 


A       dar 


belong td"  4$  well 3 


there  nny  be  ieveral  ncv/  that  Baptirm 

C(?n?r        V be  Eunuch  and  t  ociiers,  therefore  there 

are  fom-'  appointed  by  God  tor  that  Service. 

I    The  reaching  Officer  is  appointed  by  Cnriit  to  ^Baptize  and  Ad" 

minlfter  the  Lords  Supper^  and  therefore  he  U  made  the  judge  by 

God,  what  Perfoiv^  ibofe  ordinance,  ure  to  be  AdniiniR-red  to,  and 


Baptize  fuch  as  offered  themfelves.    As  the  Adminidration  of  thefe 
ordinances  is  committed  to  thctn,  *•    *■•"■■  '-  '^ing  ccncerning,  thofe ,., 
v;ha  they  are  to  be  Adminiflred  n-      ,    .^  lii^v  are  to  Judge  what' 
fubje^t  to  teach  'UX)n,  and  as  the  D.  .coa  is  to  judge  who  is  to  be 


.. -.^_.^  _„...-.„ ._     ,5.   The 

Teacbina  •  s  with  the  Ruline  Elders,  make  the  Presbvterv  of  the 
Church  ,  vvkh  whom  the  Government. of  th'i  Church  is  entrnfled  : 
The  Power  of  Ceiirarine  offeaders  ia  the  Church,  and  abloivirdi  of 
PeniteatS;*  doih  belong  aionettoihefe,  theBfcthren  of  rhe  Church 
?re  not  to  inteirmedQle  with  it.  The  Eiders  are  toR^iie  over  the 
Church,  ^nd  therefore  not  to  be  over- ruled  by  the  Brethren,  it  is 
the  work  of  the  Elders  to  rule  v"^^ ell,  i  Tm,  5.  17^  The  ?4enibersof 


their  xhands,  hence  we  reciC  "  the  Rolers  and  Chief  Rukisof  the 
Synar  ■  ,5,  Jl[l.  1%,  Deut.zi,^,  The  Elders- have  the  Keys  of  the 
Kiiigci;.-.';  of  ""  \'-a  committed  to  rhem,  Matth.  16.  t8.  The 
meaning  ir .^  ihai  he  fhould  be  aa  Elder  and  Rckr  of  the  C.Ii|3r<t:h5  it 
is  fpoken  of  as  aperional  reward  of  his  profeffioii,  :^.. 

Obj.  Matfh.  i  S.  1 7.  Tell  it  to  tks  Churchy  tbh  itnplws  r  &f 

the  Brethren,.  m 

^nfvn,  I.  Bv  the  Chnrch  is  meant  the  Ecc        ical  Ac^     • 
di<        sn\  from  the  CivlL 

2.  It  is  nothnr(h  by  the  Church  to  in  rend  the  FJdersof  the 
Church.,     Sde,  Nunik  24,  25. 

3,  By  the  Ci-arch  muft  be  ^r-c-nt  the  Elders  of  the  Church  ^  for 
iliis  v;ar.  a  Rule  ia  the  D.    '.  iien  it  was  fpokcn,.  and  there  was 


no^ 


h  C^atcti 


iii       .U*<iii/-., 


uai  tne 


:>i-: 


/^     \>*iii 


all  the  Power  of  Govcrninent  was  with  the  Eidc  - 

Ob].    J  CVr.  <^.  1,4,  'r}j€  Church  was  or dt 

^^^/u7,   :,    rhey  may  be  only  required  to  p'  ^  icgotE^- 

commonicatlon  frorii  P^w/. 

^.  It'iS'ComiTionm  Scripture,  to  attrlDiu       .  which  is  done  bv 
.it  to  the  Fetyikk  Society ;  as  when  '"jod  reqi-^res  tha    ; 
People  of  y«il;?fe  do  Acts  of  Fablickji^dice^  be  doth  not  intend  thai. 
the  People  ^oald  intrnd?  into  that-  v^^rk  ''Uer^ 

do  it, 

^.  Whereas  k  h  faid  that  the  Piinilhmeat  was  mfi^fIcd  by  n.,.;y, 
it  may  be' read  before  niany  ;  Deacoiis  were  diofen  at  finl:  to  ^ 


Over-fi^htof  the  Poor,  ./^^*<S.    And  there  is  noth;--     laiiii. 


'O' 


dared  to  1^  their  work  i^efidss  that,  it  is  intimaivu.  ■  ^  %^ 
That  it  is  their  work  to  fc  nercy  and  to  give ;  it  iis  ucaersUy^ 
put  npon  diem  to  take  cave  aDoai  the  Mil  ^    s  diit:;^       '  - 

Proviiioii  fe>r  the  Lords  Tabk^  ^Mch  isgaihered  irom  Cimt  mnaic, 
y^,  6  2.  It  Ss  not  meet  that  wc  ^  '1  leave  the  Word  of  God  and 
fcrve  Tables,  but  there  feems  to  bsno  iier 

a  Church  Or  -  v  •    the  GDiifca  ?5  to 

iee  done ;  Ibrri  may  be  done  by  tsci  v<; 


C  M  A 

Of  t^^  Ordination  ai 


p. 


VI 


;u 


*,^r'-  r 


inptHere  are  Tioneto  beotdaioedC^' 
JL     bot  thofe  that  have  a  regular  caii  10  tuoie  ( 
o  .  15  the  AdmifTiOii  of  P     "    nn?o  the^ 
t!0n  of  tfaeir  call^  needit-i  to  the  rcgniar 
it  includes  iait  hrf:  itm  irnplou        .  tht 

with  them  in  their  OfFice. 


Two  chin  zs  are  tt. 


to  a 


iOi' 


invitation  ot  thcie  vvhcsi  God  batheatra. 
other  is,  the  confea-:  .of  the  PerroniGv:*-" 


.iwopptoba 
virh  rh:^t  cau. 


u  . 


\   l^ 


i 


boiM,  ^.cforeiav^cscalleclof  Godto^onterrimmedsatdyiipoiithe  work 
of  the  Office  ^  before  he  be  accepted  of  God  as  an  Qiiic^r. 

•''^' '  'voik  of  the  Deacon  being  confiatd  to  one  Congiegauon, 
.nc  iiiVj:  '  '  cf  that  Church,  is  fufficient  without  any  fmtberap^ 
probdnorw.l^.  6.  7. 

God  ^ia-  V  /     d  all  bi        'y  Ordinances  to  be  Adminiftrcd 

l:  h  i:iar  Cferch  ;,   in   c;iie    of  neceffity.    the  choice  of  a 

rcii  I  '^  *;7ithout  any  further  approbation  )  cnto  the 

t  l^A&zv%  ^s  T^hcn,  Luthet  -ei^d  others  btoks  off  horn 

YttEldtf  shaving  nc^oriy  Power  over  their  particular  Char  ches^ 
bur.  alfa  Qv<='r  others^  and  God  having  committed  to  National  ^nd 
^rciVi  ..die?,,  the  care  of  particular  Congregations^    it  Is 

r.v  h'-' :>bta.lsed;j  that  there  be  .ir^  -^^-'-^-nbation.of 

'^■^^  depjited  -V  ^'  ^  nr  Pi Q, 


i^f^   Y  *"    ^'^ ' 


^       ■      -  ■  1  •* 

.^c    1 .'  ,*ntni3:ed  v/ith  the  Office 

01  .  iit^i-ti  ui  v^iuiu,  v\i,u  ii.r.  ^  ub  calisio  any  particular 

GO;  '   re  i?.  ■      '   'atthty.haYe  the  approbation  of  fome 

•jvta  :.b  icU  -ikiai  G^i^try.  or  at  leail;  by  a  par ticidas 

i  at  FerfansLtiiat  are  to  perform  this  Ad  of  Or4!-* 

i  as  are  moil,  ihitabl^;^  to  the  Ends  of  Ordi- 

ion,  ?^q=  Tlic  i;         ing  approbation  and  the  obtaining  the  ? 
fence  of  God  with  him  -,  fonietimes  we  find  that  extraordinary  Per- 
ions  bare  ovviaintd  a  1        .v-'^g^ extraordinary  Office,  2  Tim,  ^..6, 
bomeiimes  we  Hnd  tbr'.t  extraordinary  Perfons  have  ordained  ordi- 
nary OtTiceiye,  Ja.  :,      ...d  there  is  cominand  given  to  extra- 
ordlnarv  Officers  to  ordain  Ordin..  ,  _.  vTim,^\  22.  1  Tit,  5.  SoiPa-- 
times  we  hnd  tbat':f^'""^^'f>'fdiriafv  O^ficef^  and  nrdinary  have/oyned 
m  the  ordaiming  oV  ......ordina.^  ,,..>,  i^.  .,  ^.  .>onietinies  we  find 

that  ordinary  Officers,  have  ordained   an  extraordinary  Ofhcer  ^ 
T  Tim    ■  ^n  -   "^^ '  ^ytal  .Church  that  is  in  order,  MiniP--^' 

■htio\}iz<>^^h  iu^.M  Elders,  as  are  appointed  bv  the  Fi.i^- 

^    ■  '■  "     lr:^ai:r;jrit.^  -^  the  Land. 

'  hurch  i5  noi  in  ordcTj  ir.  jsmeet 

foni'i  iuiteabk- Per  Ions         ttd  by 

the  .1  inp,  t.idcrs,  bat  in  cafe  of  neceln^y.  Miuiltei  a  u:ay  be 

r.  '  !ireu  appointed  V;/  the  Glmrch  to  that 


-^^  fame 


•on*;  ongjht  to  be  performed  bv  Elders  of 
':afe        v  be  any,  or  by  the  .  .n  in  cafe 


I 


ions,  thdt  %Ye 


jniiler  removing  from  oxie  CIr 
dained  a  fecond  time..,  as  Paul  was,  r . 
It  is ihe manner^rrfonie places  to 
ilitution,  and  to  Mtnillers  .at  tlv 
fellowdup,   from  the  E^campk   of 
doubted  whetlier  that  wa%  any  m-: 


we  are  to  feek  whether  . 
have  fellowfmp  with. 


u 


a 


nf^    ivf 


to  anpth2t\  niaybeot*- 

>ably  Timotty., 

Ghirrches  ac  their  Cc>n^ 

aation,  the  right  hand  of 
ApoiUt's :,  bin  tc  may  be 
■  ciyil  Ad,  if  it  he  aa  hi- 
>  be  done  to  all  thoie  Per- 


wnen 


t  ought  to  be  ^:! 


l9lttmftMmratitm»^ 


-  .-^^f-fa.  a^ii»,gr^.fciaj^  *«pggBlu-a 


CHAP. 


^ 


0/'  ^/je  Worjhip  that  is  to  he  attended  in 
Conoxemt tonal  Churches. 

v.>      o 


H  E  End  of  this  Gonflitution  of   Congregational  Chinches 
L      is  the  joynt  Celebration  of  the  V/orfmp  of  God,  hereb 
tliey  differ  from  civil  Societies,   thai  meet  together  for  the  ina- 
Bagei^ent  of  civil  affairs. 

Ttie  ftrfl:  part  of  Worlliip  that  is  to  be  attended  ia  the  Church 
of  God  is  Prayer;^  Prayer  which  includes  in  Ir^  befides  Petitions^^ 
tonfeffi  MIS  and  thankfgivi^s,  is  a  principal  part  of  Gods  Worlliip, 
Prayer  is  a  part  of  Gods  WoxM^^  Fjal  '  "  %x.  ffal  '.49.  u 
This  1%  to  be  attended  in  dieChiirch,  AB.  u  14..  Acs.  4.  24    All.  6. 


MiniRer  is  to  bs  the  rriouthof  the  People  to  Ood^  Jli.  6,  4, 

Thcie  publick  Prayers  ought  not  to  be  made  by  the  reading  ^t 
prercrlbed  foims  of  Prayer^  out  of  a  Book,  he  that  iiadmot  the 
gift  of.  Prayer,  is  not  fir.  to  be  a  Minifters  there  may  be  fbrne  ex* 
empt  Cafes  wherein  it  is  Lawful  for  a  Man  to  Pray  in  a  fo«'m  which 
they  have  Lfanied  out  of  a  Book,  but  the  impoiliig  of  fuch  a  thing 
on  Men  is  aix  addition.,  to  Divine  Inftitorions^  nnd  the  ordiiiarv 
praciifing  of  it  is  of  very  bad  Comeqnence^  it  qijCiiohes  and  iU^.cs  tiic 
Spirit  of  Prayer  -ndulges  Men  iu  Wzwd:-  "■--'  '■■  ■■**••' unpr^''~'^'C 
to  others* 


7^ 


1(7^^  ) 


T'  to  be  pi^rjormeci  mii? 
'  Duty, not  be'^ 
Chrin:  fviih  bis  Ciiciples  ( 
X,7  A.nc 

5.  Jam.   . 
all  extraordinary  Gifts  ot 


3.    In 


the 


nd  part  of 
Singing  of  Fialms-,  thh  is . 
the  tirjie  of  the  Old  Tedu 
^tife  it  *,  So  afterwards  F 
tive  corrniiands  for  it,   £/• 
primkive  times  when  God 
Spirit. 

It  was  the  manner  iomotines  for  one  Man  to' fing a  PJu' 
the  Congregation  toEiy  Ame..^      Cor,  14.    ;,   .6.    But  no..   _  .^ 
mofb  proper  for  us  to  joyn  together  in  Singing  of  Ffilrns^  as  Chrifl 
and  his  Difdples  did,  and  2iS  Alofa  and  the  Children  ^^  r/T- ..?  .ir.'i^ 

As  the  Church  of  Ifrael  vvt;c.  wonc  Lu  Sing  luc  Tfalms  of  D.wid^ 
fo  (  tho  we  are  not  forbidden  to  Sing  Pfalms  of  a  private  compo- 
(ore)  it  is  Lawful  foY  us  to  Sing  the  Fj'ilms  ."  "mi  and  other 
Scciptare  Pfilms^  the  Apoille  when  he  directs  ui  to  Sing  Pfalms^ 
Hymm  and  Spiritual  Song?,  ¥.ph,Col,''^.  Hath  a  manifefl:  refpeft  to 
the  divillon  of  Davids  P films ^  forne  things  in  thofe  Ffalms  are  no 
fo  liiteable  to  our  prefenr  Cafe,  fo  it  is  in  what  we  read,  yet 
Ffalms  are  very  f!.iteable  for  us  to  meditate  upon ;  and  conrain 
tJiem  iiiiach  Inftruction  and  Incouragenient,  and  becaufe  they  were 
indifted  by  the  Spirit  of  God,  are  more  proper  to  affed  onr  h.earts 
ami  excite  the  workings  of  Grace,  then  iuch/as  ?*re  of  a  private 
ConHpov^^rr-,  ^ 

^'^'     :  part  of  Worlhip  Is  the  Freaking  and  Teaching  of  the 

-,-  r^''---'-:hing  of  th"  ^^'^ord  is  to  be  attended  to  rhc  End 

yjutth,  1%,         20,  Ic  is  the  Duty  of  Miniilers  to 

\,ord,  %  Tim,^,  /,  A  Miniiter  is  called  a  Preacher, 

This  is  a  fpec'  ■  ''leans  to  advance  the  Converlion  of 

bifintrs  ^aaLdiiication  of  Saints 

Altho  it  'be  the  fpccial  Office  and  Duty  of  Teaching  Elders,  and 
incd  Minin:ers  of  the  Gofpel,  vet  Preaching  being  a  Moral  Du- 
ty, it  is  lawful  for  iihofe,  v^/ho  are  not  ordained  Minilrers,  to  Preach 
th         Toel;  Yea,  in  foine  cafes  it  is  Lawful  for  fuch  3'kn  who  are 
IK..  to  the  Minillry.  provided  they  have  futcable  abilities. 

The  reading  of  large  Portions  of  Scripture  imon  the  Sabbath 
D-     which  wa^   coiitlantly    Psattifed  by  tb         njh  Cburchj  is 
-rirnlarlv       ,.    .squired  by  God^  there  was  great;  nce{j 
whrrt  f'.v:  World  had   ..    .      i^e  benefit  .'k 
-.^finit'rf.^,   r'''-*-^ri;,_   ;in.y  fuch 


Z.  ,'ts  ^  , 


'hnv 


f  h «»  V 


icr- 
vice 


iV» 


if        -  •    * 

■  "jrii^ttirc:         by  railir 
^ad  applying  or  ii,  of  by  e:: 

ers 


not  onir  L^at 


nic'rTDi^e  at 


er  tc 

.  Lord 3^Tubie,.  bur  ailb  monlsr ro        ■'•^^'^ 

:■  it  iijay  be  prefumed  that  tnany  Petfons  are  mq'. 
ous..  V€t  there  are  manv  ochers  who  are  not  to  be  confided  i 
the  Mifiifter  hadr  po^^er-  by'  Vrrtiie  of  bis  Paflor  -r 

that  they  Learn ;  reafon  difetes  this  to  be  a  moil  f'n- 
as  in  tbe  Learning  of  Arts  and  Languages,  (o  in  . 
the  way  6fe^fal^ation,  the  moll  pr''^'^'^^  -^-^  >.rr.nt;i>.i- 
ing,  are  to  be  afed  hy  Minifter--^ 

A  fourth  part  of  Worihip  i.  i:>upuuu>  tii 
pointed  by  Chrif?:  hlmfelf  to  be  a  perpetual  Oruinancv:  iauiCA.^r}.  i- 
llian  Church,  It  was  publifhed  hy  John  before,  by  "  ~ 
ftitution,  but  afterwards  declared  by  thrift,  to  b^  a  iiuuumg  '- 
:;race  in  the  Charch. 

It  is  very  likely  t"hat  the  form  afte-  b 

DiRupleswas.    that  thev  did  Ba,rd7e  :  ne<x>t  the  Lord  fe- 

;u5,  ^:       9.  5.  But  feeing  Chrift  d  y  com  in  and 

ftiesbetore  his  aifention,  to  J5^]?ri2:^  in  >^:t:of  tlk  F^i    -.^ 

and  Holy  uhoft ^  we  have  no  reafon  to  think  that  the  firft  Teach- 
ers of  the  Gofpeldid  nfe  any  other  fotm,  and  whea  we 'read  tha: 
^^z  Samaritans^  were  Baptized  in  tht  Name  of  P^^  " -'^^  Jsluf^ 
18.  Asd  that  Pi^t-^r  ordered  that  Corndius  anu  ^1^  worapai 


^■^^-  8. 


Uid. 


The  Perfons  that  ars  fent  to  Aammuter  Baptiun,  are  the  fain, 
that  are.  leat  to  preach  the  Word,  Matth,  28.  :9.,  2c 
poftles  did  fomerlmes  decline  it,  yet  w  ro  conciuo:.- 

that  they  commltred  it  to  Inferionr  M 

of  Ghriit,  v/hodid  aot  coinmit  it  to  the  Peon''"-  ov         :is  D'-ci- 
ples,  John  4.  2,  therefot*tr:-:h  Preachers  a  .aed  ^i  . 

Ibers,  are*Q0t  to  Baptize, 


83 


r^^ 


V 

Baptife  iriiy  he  Ado.       red  either  in  the  i'v .      ..  AS^tt 
in  private,  ihctf  i«?  no  appohicmcni  that  ncccffitutes  ihe  pubiick 
ptrtbrmance  of  ...  .;i€r€ur   HTngin  the  Nature  of  the  ordbai^cr 
tliat  doth  secciTitate  it  5  s?'^  -i  that  the  Apoltks  aiid  Apf^'^' 

Ileal  Men*  did  ir.  a*  there  v  .  k  ^r^^  publkkly  and  privat^iV, 

yrcf  ^  '^:^,an6  9.  iS.  and  \c 

^     n:  is  no  i£?csfEty  that  iti.um  i>.  Members  of  any  para- 

.1  *^jr        itiori  before  they  be  Bapti7xd  5  Peifon?.  before  they  m 

1?i^!p/Dersol  any  paitkular  GongrcgaiioD^  may  have  that  quaiificat!" 

,.  on  that  gives  tbera  z  right  to '       •  uiij  viz.,  Vfil.bk  Saintihip  ^  many 

that  were  Bapti'zcd  in  the  fir  It  times  did  notbeloi\g  to  any  partial- 

I  lar  CoDgrrgation  of  Chriftians,  and  tho  many  of  theni  did  beloag 

No  p2irr;nhr  Je:vi(h  Congr^^'gations  or  Synagogues^  yet  fome  did 

Such  adnlt  pcribns  as  make  fuch  a  profeillon  of  the  Chriftian 
E'aith,  as  is  Morally  uncere,  at  e  to  be  Baf^tizcd  >  as  doth  appear  by 
the  Evample  of  Joh^y^  Chfift  himfelf^  Phillip  znd  others,  who  were 
dirc'fted  by  the  Spirit  of  God  ^  and  none  were  refufed  tliat  did  fe» 


Covenant  People  of  6od  by 
either  Parent,  ;r;cta  be  Baptized,  i  Cor,  7,  14.  Such  Infants  as  do 
defcend  froiUParenrs  that  are  under  Q>ttrch  cenfures,  foj  immorali- 
ties, arc  not  to  be  denied  Baptifm,  becanfe  Exconimunicadon  doth 
not  cul:  .Ven  off'  from  the  Covenant  ot  God  ,  fuch  Infants  as  are  the 
Children  Oi  h^^Vcbens,  beioncingto  the  Families  of  the  People  of 
Ciod,  are  Incorpotaied  into  the  Covenant  and  are  to  be  Baptized  ^ 
wixn  th.:  ApoRlc.  f:  ^^  i  Co^  7  J4v  Elfe  v;ere  yoyr  Children  un- 
clean, heipciiksof  thcrn  as  they  come  Into  the  Wovld  f,  yet  it  foi- 
iow:/not,  bnt  wh^A  they  ivre  taken  into  the  Families  of  Cfinflians, 
they  do  becc^^c  '^-l'''^*  >  fuch  were  to  be  Circiip^-tHVfV  \inder  the 

A  Sfth  j-A/i  J  Worfhip  ;..  .ne  Lords  Snpper ;  whicL  '-.a..  .ulii« 
/^iiied  by  Chrilt  a  little  before  his  Death,  to  be  a  ftanding  Ordinance 
La  th«  Chriflian  Chrrch;,  all  fach  Profeflbrsof  the  Chriftlan  Faith, 
'ft?;  are  of  b^r.'-clefs  Convetfacion,  and  have  knowledge  toeicamine 
U-cnilclv^        J  diicri-n  the  Lords  Body.,  are  to  be  admitted  to  thz 


f 


rdsS  ^ 


A  ores 


Three  \s  aretequirite  in  r.  to  adralfhcn  to  the  Lords  Sup- 
!per  ;  FiiR,  Vlub)c  Saincfhip,  and  that  is  found  in  fuchPerfons ;  all 
^pvofeflbrs  walking  blarnekily  nrcVil'ible  Saints -,  the  A/embers  of 
'iliC  7ck5//7j  Church  arc  often  called  Saints  in  the  Scripture,  who  did 
I.  '  '  give 


m  ^ 


H 


lUrtuer  ?¥: 


o£  then  SaintSiip,  a  Profeuion  onTTe 
vith  a  good  Converfatioii,  is  a  fiifficient  ground  for 
marks  that  we  are  direded  in  the  Scripture  to 
Jndge  ot  Mem  SamtChipby  ^  The  Apoftie  did  accept  of  iochPcr- 
fons'for  ViKIe  Sauits,  Akn  that  have  thefc  Charaders,  are  not  vil- 
biy  wicked,  therefore  tliey  are  Vifibie  Saints  ^  thefe  prox)ercies  arc 
the 


the  proper  Fralts  of  Saintftiip,  and  therefot  r  coafMcute  /l/ea  Vi 
bie  Sais?ts ;  (ach  a  profciTiori  as  hm.ng  Tmccrs  ir^akes  a  Aim  a  re 
Saiat^  being  .4/ora!.ly  ilncere,  makes  a  Mm  a  Vifible  Saint.     Th:^t 


ih- 
real 


whereby  Godly  ylieado  make  their, Saint Hiip  VifiMe^  does  make 

'9 


J^a  ViSble  Saints.  ':'?>-   a.  nrnM'r^n  of  the  truch  and  a  ^_^r^^  c-^n^ 


veriation, 

A  iccond  requii.  ^.^^^  that  they  :.  ., .,.  .candaiou^ ,  u  ./■  3nthaL  is 
really  aiid^fliibly  Godiy  may  fall  into  a  Icaadai,  and  npoo  that  ac- 
ccHjsat  be  forbiddea  to  partldpaie  al:  the  Lords  Tabic,  but  when. 
theirConverfatioals  g,ood,they  csoDOt  be  hiadred  np^n  i'   "  '  ccouiire 

A  third  requifitcis^  chat  they  hays  knowkdge  to  cxmanc  thein- 
fslves  and  difcern  the  Lords  Body  ^  for  the  want  of  this  Infants  are 
•  denied  the  Lords  Supper. 

Thcfe  Adult  Ferfons  that  are  fit  to  be  admitcediata  the  Churchy 
are  to  be  admitted  to  the  Lords  Sapper, 

All  Adilft  FeribriS  that  are  He  to  be  admitted  into  the  Churchy 
ordiQarily  have  all  tbofe  qualifications  requiute  to  the  participation 
of  the  Lords;  Supper. 

They  make  profeiBon  of  the  true  Filth  and  are  at  good  Conver- 
fatioh^  they  have- kaowiedgeof  che  principles  of  Religion,  and  To 
are  able  toexainiae  themfeives,  and  if  any  of  the?ii  fnould  nor:    ,  i 
derllaad  the  H^rm#  r.f  th^r  ordinance,  they  may  ronT>  |-r-  n-f^H? n-?rr 
iiiformed. 

Two  thini.,^  ...v.  evident  in  tbi.  .  -^  "'f  the  Apoffclea,  ..^^v  t:., 
that  they  readily  admitted  liich  mto  lu,..  :h,  as  m^dc  a  profeiH- 

ori  of  the  Ghrillian  FDiLh,  ^W.  2.  yi&.  6-  ...  c  never  read  that  ever 
tiiey  dcTued  Adinifilon  to  any  Man  or  Wonian  chat  m^de  that  pro- 
lefTion  ^  the  other  is,  that  all  that  wexe  thus  received  by  Uiem,  -^^ 
Emitted  to  the  Lords  Supper,  "iCcr.  ic  17.  AH.  1,24..  l.icy 
made  no  diflindioii  of  the  Advdt  Members  of  the  C  h,  into 
Commaaicants  aud  Non-Commiinicants. 

Thofe  that  are  commanded  by  God  to  participstc  ot  che  Lords 
Supper,  are  to  be  admitted  to  the  Lords  S  ,  but  all  profeffors 

that  have  a  good  Q^nverfation  and  Knowledge  are  commanded  by 
God  to  participate  in  the  Lords  Supper,  if  Men  have  not  rhc;c  Qiia- 

F  iifiuUons 


\.    •"•-^^^ 

liScatidiis  they  ate  not  obliged  irpmedi^Ltd/  to  participate  in  tbt 
Lords  Supper,  for  it  would  be  a  fin  if  they  fi^ouid  J  Birc  having  |l)efe 
Qiialifications  they  arc  bpundv  provided  the^'K-'^-e  opport^^ 
ChriiC  ha?,  hid  this  Law  upoa  Frofeifors,  i  Cor-,  . . .  .^,  2,5,  The  pcr- 
fons  here  commanded  are  not  only  tcue  Believersj>  then-'none  can  do 
it  with  a  good  Confcience  but  tliofc  that  know  themfclres^to  ' 
true  Believ^ers  y  then  the  Charch  Ancjiority  can  require,  ftonc  but  traei 
Believers  to  come,  l;hfi  Pevfons  rlierefore  required  to  partake  ai;e  fhch 
profeirors  ?•<;  carry  *^  inoffcofavely,  andif  f«ch  are  b^      '  to  come 

.  the  Church  is  bonna  to  receive  them,  rhey  ^may  not  hinder  any  ^ 
from  doing  his  Duty. 

There  can  be  nojoilcaufe  afligned,  why  fuch  Men  fiiculd  bs.  de- 
barred from  coming  to  the  Lords  Supper,  they  are  not  U)  be  debar- 
red for  not  giving  the  higheH:  evidence  of  fiucerlty ;  Iriere  nc 
was  any  &ch  Law  in  the  Church  of  Cfod,,  that  any  (ho;jId  b 
red  Church  ^riviledgcs  becauie^  they  did  not  give  the  highefl- evi- 
dence of  fincerity,  nor  for  want'of  the  Exercife  of  Faith  ;  it  is  ua- 
reafonabk  to  believe  Men  to  be  viiibie  Siints  from  their  Infancy  till 
they  be  forty  or  fifty  years  cf  Age^  and  yet  not  capable  oj  cogaiing 
to  the  Lords  Supper,  for  want  of  the  Exercife  of,  Faith  ;  they  are 
not  to  be  denied  becaufe  of  the  wcaknefs  of  Grace,  they^that  have 
the  leail  Grace  need  to  have  it  Komifhed  and  Chcri/hed.    . 
Such  Adult  Ferfons  as  are  worthy  to  be  admitted  intb  the  Cfrarch, 

,  or  being  in  the  Church  are  vv'orthy  to  be  continued  without  cenfcre, 
are  to  be  admitted  to  the  Lords  Sypp^^r  ^  it  is  utterly  I'nreafonable 

;  to  deny  the  Adult  v'kmbers  of  the  Church,  the  Lords  Supper,  and 
yet  ncit  lay  them  under  cenfuie :,  If  they  are  g^Hto  of  any  fcch  of- 
fence as  ro  be  Jcnyed  the  Lords  Supper,  why  arejiey  not  cenfured 

I  If  they  are  not  worthy  to  be  ccnfured,  why  are  they  kept  from  t!i 
Lords  Supper  ? 

:      Tiiereave  fbme  Scrip  have  been  thought  to  hold  forth  a 

I  need  of  fomewhat  ftsrthei         order  10  participacion  in  the  Lr 
S\i\.  which  if  they  be  examined  will  be  found  to  be  drained  be- ' 

yond  cheialport  of  them,  P/^i,  ^5  16.  David  iaith^   I   will  tell  you^ 
whatth^  Lord  hatli  done  for  my,  Soul^  hence  it  is  argued,  that  Meii' 
ihouid  give  an  Account  of  the  manner  of  their  Coaverfion,  in  or- 
der to  their  Admitlvon  ■  but  if  it  (hould  be  granted  thsit  David  doth 

; jreCped  the  work  of  Regenev^non,  doth  h  follow  beca'ufe  he  was 

'^willing  to  talk  of  it*  that  they  mii^br  make  a  Law  to  bind  him  to 
do  it  in  the  Synagogue,  or  doth  it  toll ov/ that  Da znJ  offered  to  do 
it  ia  order  tdhisjoyning  with  the  J'/B^i/A  Church,  J^.  2.  37,  "^lev 

were 

■ft 


*'»[>•»;"'•  "Tfcfjpi'»-'*wu*f»i«'  -,-  <■  v'/«ii/>ti4..^'^trw  .  ■>,'JJ"»ni','" 


M 


i,iiv 


were;  prkked  at  the  t^arc^  ^-.-,....  .  .,..^,    wcrc.auiuitt..*  ...  , 

Chttrch^ -but  lei  it  be  corilidcr^d  that  many  others  were  pynedto 
tfeeCliriftiaa  Ghui'cbvoi  wbom  we  vt-dd  nofuch  thing,,  and  here  is 
m>Hving  Rule  that  others  mail  declare  that  they  are  pricked  ar  ibe 
heart  before  their  Admifllon  •  yea  it  is  certain,  that  thcilj  did  nor 
declare  their  troiibie,  in  order  to  their  AdmilFion  into  the  Church, 
but  in  order  ta  their  Oiredion  ^  yea,  it  doth  act  appear  that  thef'j 
T' "  vvers'anxkr  a  work  of  Coiivedioa  at  this  time,  chey  might  he 
Menb^fore^  the  thing  that  famg  them  was  a  Nations! 
probability,  they  had  no  iia-ad  in  -,  Forxh^e  greater  part  ot 
"i  ibrangers,  came  a p  to  keep  the  Feallof  lumtscoft^  aad 
were  greatly  aife<4ed  with  the  fin  which  the  Nation  of  ihe  Jews 
wcrepiicy  of  in  Crucifying  of  Chrii%  JB.  %  i6j  i-].  The  Church 
^S€mfk^(^^n  refufed  to  admit  Paul  to  their  Commomon^  till  they 
were  ififormed  by  Barnabas,  of  his  Converfion^  but  it  doth  not  ap- 
pegr  that  Paul  did  then  defire  to  participate  with  them  m  the  Lords 
Supper,  poffibly  it  might  be  only  ia  hearing  of  the  Vvord  and  Pray- 
er .^  and  the  reafon  why  they  v/ere  unwilling  to  receive  him,  was  nor 
any  doubt  whether  his  Converfion  was  fuicere^  but  whether  he  was  - 
Chriilian  :  As  if  in  a  Fopiih  Country,  one  who  had  been  a  violent 
Perlecutor  fhould  ElFay  to  joyn  himfelf  to  a  Proteftant  Cona  '  -^' 
on,  it  would  be  no  wonder  if  they  fhould  be  affraid  of  him, 
they  vvere  informed  that  he  was  become  a  Proteftant  9  this  is  no  • 
'"  juidation  to  require  of  all  that  ioyn  to  the  Church,  an  Account  :v 

Ut  the  mariiier  of  their  Converlion.  i  Fet,  3,  1 5,  Men  are  rgijulr- 
sd  to  be  ready  to  give  an  Anfwer  to  every  one  that  asketh  theni ./ 
reafon  of  the  hope  that  is  in  them  ^  but  here  by  the  reafon  cf  th: 
hope  that  is  in  vhem,  we  are  not  to  underHand  their  expe 
the  Grace  of  God,  but  the  grounds  of  their  Faith,  the  '•:  .?n  wb 
they  did  believe  ilie  Chriftian  Do^^trine?  This  is  evideni . 
isibeaking  of  Periecution,  ?/  i^.  and  bccaufc  he  directs  v 
give  their  Anfi/v'er  with  roceknefs  and  fear. 

Qpell:.  Bere  it  may  he  enquired^  whether  fkth  Pcrfon:  ....^   ...  ..    . 

good  Convey fation  and  a  Compeimt  Kna-wledge^  m^'y  came  to  t---  i'<^l 
Supper^  with  a  £Ood  Ccnfcienco^  in  cafe  chey  knuw  p}^^^^''?:^^  frh 
tural  Condition^ 

^nfw.  They  ma^  .:ua  u-.^i..:.  to  come,  th-^  ^^.^^  ^  ,.j,,  .,:i^;u;icivr-  ] 
to  be  in  a  Kattii  -.d  Condition ;  this  Ordinance  t$  inftituted  for  aiV  ' 
Adult  Members  of  the  Chnrch  who  are  not  fcandalons,  and  thcit-  i 
fore  mufl  be  attended  by  tliem  ;,  as  no  '''  1  niay  nc  ^  "^  er,.  or 
bearing  the  Word,  becanfe  he  cannot  uo  *;  jn  Faith,  iQ^ie  -r  *  :|i 
negied  !ihe  Lords  Supper,  i  h^ 


l?TnIt?ruted  to  be  a  means  of  Regeneratbts ' 

It  IS  not  appomied  t  Converting  of  Men  to  the  Chrillian  Re- 

pattake  of  it  ^  but  ?r  ^$ 
t  a  means  alfo  t. 


There  be  many,  according  to  the  Orclinance  of  Chrift,  to  be  ad- 
mitted to  the  Lords  Supper,'who  are  not  Repenenite,  MaPth,  25,  1 
2c  The  Kingdom  of  Heaven  is  like  tea  Virgins,  live  of  them  wcrf 
Wife,  and  Bve  Fooltfn,  and  it  can  have  no  other  immediate  end  f% 
fpecting  thefe.,  butthdr  Converfion:,  the  end  of  a]]  Ordinances  ? 
iaivatioa,  and  therefore  to  thefe  Men  it  rault  be  Regeneration,  fo? 
without  it.,  they  cannot  be  faved. 

This  Ordinance  hath  a  proper  tendency  to  draw  finners  to  Chrift; 
iu  this  Ordinr'^ce  there  is  a  partiailar  Invitation  to  finners-^  to  come 
to  Chrrft  for  Pardon,  here  is  an  affeding  Reprelentation  or  the  Vir- 
tue of  Chrids  fuffenngs,  here  is  a  Seal  whereby  the  Truth  of  the 
Cofpel  is  confirmed,  aU  which  are  very  proper  to  draw  finriers  to 
Citriil. 

If  the  Lords  Supper  be  only  for  the  ftrengthcning  of  Saints, 
then  they  who  are  not  Saints  do  profane  the  Ordinance,  when  they 
do  partake,  and  it  is  not  Lawful  for  them  to  partake^  and  then  they 
that  do  not  know  themfelves  to  be  Saints,  don't  know  that  it  is 
l^.wful  tor  tbeni  to  pariake,  and  lO  far  as  any  Man  hath  fcruple^ 
about  his  Saintftip,  he  muft  proportionably  have  fcru pies  about  th^ 
■-.rtwfmnefs  of  his  Participation,  and  fo  Sacranient  Days  which  IhonlBI" 
be  Days  of  Comfort,  will  become  Days  of  Torment. 

All  other  Ordinances  are  appointed  for  Regeneration,  Prayer, 
scaling  the  Word,  Baptilm  ,  fo  Ukewife  thecenfuresare,  that  the 
'>oul  may  be  faved  in  the  Day  of  the  Lord  jefus  ^  they  are  to  for- 
€:her  Mens  Regeneration,  in  cafe  they  be  not  Converted  already,  and 
it  would  be  ftrange  jf  the  Lords  Supper  aionc  (houid  not  be  appoin- 
ted ft^r  that  end,  whereas  it  hath  a  proper  tendency  i.hcrennto,  and 
many  that  come  to  that  Ordinance  by  the  appointment  of  Chrifb, 
tland  m  as  much  need  of  it,  as  thofe  that  partake  of  other  Ordi- 


4k 


A  ftxtlj  part  of  the  Worfhip  is  Ecclefiaftical  cenfures,  thefe  wert 

Intedin  thetimcof  the  Old  Tef^ament,  ami  are  to  continue  in 

uje  wnto  the  end  ot  the  Vv^orld,  k  doth  evidently  appear,  both  from 

the  Writings  of  the  ^icrvs  and  likewir  from  the  Scripiure,  that  ;;he 

I'ffrs  did  make  vk  of  Ecclenailical  ceniures^  Johfn^.  34,  $s*.  John  3. 

ind  !  2.'/t?^  And  it  is  evident,  thai  thefe  cenfures  were  accord- 


ing 


V-4 

^  ■; 


2-:<  J- 

^topmne  Inftitotioii,  from  Matth,  .   ,  .  ,,  . ..    ... . 

'^ere  make  a  new  IniH^^*'^-'^  ^-^^  ♦'^e  Golpel  Church,^  for  th 

tvas  nor,  yet  in  Beiog^    v.  u  uv  tx^^cs  thein  to  the  practiic^^i  uu  ^\^ 

l^^^----'  n  ^  if  if  ^  -  -nqi)ired  where  we  find  siny  fach  IniUtucion  iu 

the  uxaTeftf*"         ^   i\nfw€r,  in  ihat  e*^    -        whkh  we  ofc^a 


CO  re- 


Lior>. 


find  ia  the  Old  iwiaiaenc^  Chat  the;    ^  'CCur 

Gm,  17,  14.   £-^M  12,  14.  When  one  brori*€r  is 
prove  another,  and  in  cafe  of  LioGrr'      '  ncfs  ^ 
Church,  that  compiand  doth  not  onl-         i  the  Bvet. 
Congregation,  but  alio  the  Brethrea  of  : 
fbf  theipe  lies  the  fanie  ^ond  upon  us  according  to  oppci 
to  fufFer  fm  in  others,  as  well  as  in  the-  Mcmbevs  of  the  lame  Gcf^^ 
eregation. 

^  There  is  no  need  of  a  partknlar  luSkati  .  1  have  .   . 

Power  oiJudgpien%  to  determirje  whttLer  2pe;„  .  je  to  bcceii- 
fared  or  not  *,  it  is  a  part  of  Rule^  mid  where  God  appciatsK-ulers 
in  his  Churchy  he  appoints  that  they  (f^--  Tndgc  thefe  matters- there*- 
fore  when  Chrifl  appoints;  a  Pafror  to  t  v  a  Ruler  la  the  Cimrch^  he 
expreiTes  it  by  having  Pqwr?  '*"  binding  and  looSng,  Matth. 
i^.  19. 

A  I'crfba  liiat  is  under  ^nurcn  cen 
fr.Mit  hW    •  ■  \  he  Itands  in  a  Bi- 

Members  o  '     2  Tkj^  3, 

under  cenlurei^  hisorience^  dotb  not 
S:/       ;p,  rherefbrc  his  Children  ate  to  oe  Baprizc  , 

il^i  offences  as  are  of  U  more  Heinou.  3,   done  call  for 

C  cenfutes,  provided  there  be  a  futeabie  Spirit  of  Repentance; 

li  tht  end  of  cenfures  be  obtained,  there  is  no  occafioa'  for  them  ^ 
Feubnb  under  thefenteaceo^  Excomnranicatian,  are  natorily  to  he 
debarred  t rem  the  Lords  Supper,  but  alfo  to  be  exclued  from  the 
f^rnihar  Society  of  the  Psople  of  God  ^  where  there  is  no  fpeciai 
Bond.,  we  are  not  to  have  that  Society  wir^  t^>erri,  that  v'-  ^27 
^  •-  ^  '\^kh  Itethe^s,   I  Cor.  5.  9,  12,     - 

-.  ihis  Act  of  y/orihip  appertains  Abrd!utLv...j  v^.j^ntlie  Periba 
;.i)aj- hach  offended  doth  nrianifeU  a  Spirit  of  Rep^nt^ nee,  v'^--'-^<tr 
he  has  been  ccni%ed  or  not,  he  is  to  be  acqinred 

The  feventh  Ad  of  Worfnip  is  the  Bleding  01  tr;s  Q: 
on  ?  there  h  a  Blelling  of  Men  by  way  of  i^      '      '    ;,   tijae  may 
be  performed  by  any  i^erfoa^  and  there  is  a  B         .  oy  v/ay  f^" 
I  his  is  pronounced  in  t'.?e  N         '■  \jOi.\      "'■- 
>ary,  by  way  of  peed  let  Ion.  io  the  Fatriarcns  d 


^  liOt  iii^reov  cut  on 
I  to  orhei 
:er  o^i-ce  z 
a  x>i  his  Vifi 


motion. 


4 


sxcr 


hs;  i- 


10.^  lueis  a  Prav 


-         "  » »  / 

f:u..'4:/:  of  th  Lord  Jcpa  Chrifi  h  with  you ^  Yet  thish 


\  "Declaration  in  Gods  Mame  what  ihali 
come  to  pais,,  ddv  eroie  it  mult  be  underdood  ia  ilich  a  way  as 
k  3c      *  o  Gods  Covcnaat.^   /^fjif,  20.   34.    Cod  appointed  ths 

Tr-z^i  Gj  Oia  r        "  -t  P^o^e^  Numb,  6.  23.  And  this  workieein;. 
ti  to  the  reft  of  the  Levites^   who  werf  teach- 

ers in  .  hut,  cc.  8.   There  is  no  need*of  any  new  IdfticatioE 

in  t!at  Gotpei^  impowrins'.  Miniiters  to  blefs'in  the  Name  of  God, 
\l  being  a  proprr  oa  the  work  of  a  Minifter  \  Chriil  by  ap# 

paiEitiog  M     :.         h3ih   appointed    Men  tc^bleis  the  People  5 
vet    thsf  f^ems    .      ne    Iriftituted.    M^tth,    10.    12^  r?.     X'/fwr, 


Such  men  as  ara  Preachers  of  the  Gofpei^  yet  not  feparated 
to  that  v^Oi k  b^^  '"^"diinstioii,  have  no  Power  to  blefs  the  Con- 
gregatlon^  becar  iS  depeads  meerly  upon  iDilitution,  there- 
fore k  not  to  bw  a-^iiej  but  according  to  Inftitution. 

MinifteiS  beii-^g  appointed  to  blefs  Autkoritatively  in.  the  ^anae 
of  God.  i£  ^s  '  -!y  improper  for  them  to  fpeak  in  thehrft 
l^erfofi/'  ling  i€vit^^'  Numh,^6.  24,  !t;;^is  alfo  impro- 
per foi  tittiTi  10  Bit  is  the  Church  of  God,  that  are  difpcrfed 
d!  over  the  Worlds  ^  1^ 


C  H  A 


» 


; 


^  O-  A  X. 


Of  Churches  confijlimz  of  Dhers  Conpe- 


A 


Ihurch  conufting  of  Dl^er?  Coi^gregaciocis:,  ■   , 

__  _  Divers  Congregational  Churches,  jo  ■cord- 

ing to  Gods  appointment,  for  the  conftant  car     :  "  P'-'-n- 

lick  Wordvipof  God  j  fuch  Churches  are  acknoi^dedged  mt|ie  great- 
eft  Part  of  Proteilant  Churches  |  but  Tome  iu  latter  times  dorr: 
i  Quellion  whether  there  be  any  fuch  Churches.  - 

That  there  are  National  .Chiirches,  doe«  appear  ..     imtli^ 

light  of  Nature,   the  light  of  Nature  teaches  u^,    ..^s  Man  was 
made  for  the  Worfhip  of  God,  that  Man  is  fiiced  for  Socieiy,  j^^^ 
the  great  end  vvhy  he  is  fo,  is,  that  in  Society  be  may  carr~"  '"-- 
Vv^orihip  of  God,  and  as  the  light  of  Nature" ceacr?es  r-    ^ 
Societies  ought  to  carry  on  the  Worfhip  of  God  iix  '"' 
that  Kingdoms  and'Countrys  Ihoold  joyii  logtth  .u^.u- 

and  advancing  the  Worfhip  of  God^  it  is  moil:  a 
light  x>f  Nature,  that  they  that  are  one  P^or  uouid  ^luiu  > 
ther  in  carrying  on  Gods  Worfhip,  and  fhould  nave  Pow^^r  to  regu- 
late and  govern  the  leveral  parts  of  tha^:  Body  >i  > 
that  every  Kingdom  fbould  fee  that  tfie  vVordiip  and  ices  of 
God  J  be  attended  in  the  fevetai  ConftreHations  therein 

^dIy^  From  Gods  appointing  the  N- 
Church,  JB.  i.  38.  And  God  fias  not  appointed  an^ 

Churches  in  the  times  of  the  New  Tsiramentl  tb^, 

kinds  of  Churches  appointed  now^  Congregational  ^'*^^*'^^- 
new  ^^iXidi  of  Churches,  but  according  to  the  Old  . 
every  Synagogue  of  the  Jews  was  a  Gongrcgatioaal  duivh,  they 
bad  Ecckfiaftical  Rule  and  Governmeat  in  them  ^  cbey  are  cnlled 
Churches  by  Chrift,  Matth,  18.  17.  That  the  Old  Teihmenc  mjli-- 
lution  doth  continue  ft  ill,    appears  partly  b       '  Chriiliaa 

Churches  of  the  J^wt  were  fabordinate  to  the  isationai  C       '  " '    . 
the  Jem  ^  they  were  Members  of  the  National  Church  ici  ai-   1 

tend  "j^mfli  Ordinances  ^   aad  therefore  by  Inftituiiofi,  Ctn  iftian  ^ 


r  16  ) 

Cori?;r€gauons  art:  not  sbiohite^  but  Subordinate  to  a  National 
Churcb  ,  it  IS  fur  anfe  rhe  Jevoifn  National  Church 

didnotceafe  d^t        Ceremcniv  Te  their  Date  was  out 

bnt1)ecarfe  they  reu  Chriil,  Fm:  .  Had  they  kept  Gods 
Covrnant^  thev  woulJ  have  routiniied  a  National  Church  to  this 
Dsv- 

3/yj  From  the  Publick  Coveivsnt  ibst  is  between  God  znd  a  pro- 
feifing  People  God  made  a  Publick  Covenant  between  him  and  the 
People  of^Jji^,:^  vvherein  be  engages  publicjc  Frofperky  unto  them, 
..,..>n  condition  of  their  ohc:<]ience;.  and  all  profe&ing Countries  arc 
^]nd-^'— he  fame  Covenant  for  Tubftance;  the  promife^  and  fo  the 
thrcuu.iogs  .ledaitd  are  of  force  unco  the  end  of  the  Worlds  and 

have  th«^  like  encour:  :nt  to  obedience  that  they  had^  zpA  are 
■Si  the  like  dai        i ^i  cate  or  dlfobedience. 


£0  the  time  of  theii  Reftoration,  this  abundantly  Witnefleth  that 
every  Chriftiaii  Nation  is  a  Church  1  if  God  hath  made  a  Covenant 
withtbcm  i:pon  condition  of  obedience^  then  they  arc  a  Society  in 
Cpvenant  with  God,tbe.(i  they  are  one  body  in  Covenant  with  God, 
and  the  whole  hnh  Power  over  the  parts^  and  they  are  inveft^d 
with  fiifScient  A'^^'Tfty  to  fee  the  Covenant  kept :  If  they  were  in 
Covenant,   anr-  '^  Power  to  make  the  feveral  parts  to  keep 

Covenant,  liie  w^v.,;au;  ould  be  a  fnare  to  them ,  particular  Socie- 
ties might  bring-^uik  npon  them,  and  tliey  w^ould  have  no.f  ower  to 
remove  it  ;  if  Ihcy  be  all  engaged  in  one  individual  Covenant,  the 
Country  hath  Power  to  regola#ai]  Maleadniinillrations  that  any  of 
the  parts  are  gi^ilty  of.^;l  they  are  in  one  individual  Covenant,  tiiey 
are  as  one  body  h^  '  d  by  God,  the  People  of  God,  the  flock  of 
•Chriil,^  and  thereibre  one  Church  \  here  is  all  that  made  IJrad  to  be 
^  Church,  thefefore  ikh  a  People  area  Church. 
;  Ah,  Frorf  the  promifts  that  God  hath  made  of  making  Gentile  i 
;  tions  I  .      *eople  -,  God  ik\  not  only  promife  to  fei  up  fome 

I  Churches  among  the  Gentiles,  but  to  take  whole.Nationv.  into  Cove« 
'  nsnt  with  liimfelf,  Ifa.  24.  22.  Andit  is  exprefly  foretold  by  Chi,.,, 
that  whole'Nations  fliould  1  ecclvc  the  Gofpcl,  and  become  Churches, 


It- 


pr^»..,*^^  w*^  ,.x«v^^  .,s.  v..^ ,  -^ --  

tnce,  aj  v/erc  made  to  them  in  Dcutrenomy^  and  if  the  whole  Jeiri/h 

Nation 


V    ^/   V 


f 


Nation  will  be  one  Chtsrcb,  when  they  are  reftored,  tlicr^k  will  be  fo 
with  every  other  ChriftiaD  Nation,  the  difFerence  between  Jews  and  , 
€m%tiks\%  Tiim  abolifhed. 

5.  Becatjfe  the  fuprcani  Eccleiiaftical  Auchoii  y  doth  not  lye  in 
particukr  Congregations^  if  there  be  ao  National  Church,  then  eve- 
ry particular  Congreganon  is  abfolute  and  indepcadaiir.,  and  not 
refponfable  te  any  higher  Power:  This  is  too  Lordfy  a  principle,  iu  is 
too  ambitious  a  thing  for  every  fmall  GongicgatiouiOariogatefuch 
an  cncoQtroalable  Power,  and  to  be  accoiiiitaDie  to  none  on  Earth - 
this  iS  neither  a  probable  way  for  the  Peace  of  Churches,  nor  for  the 
fafety  of' Church  Members;  appeals  are  admitted  in  all  Kingdoms  y 
and  it  is  more  piobable  that  irf  a  whole  Counlry,  Ferfons  may  be 
found  that  may  redify  the  Mlicarriages  of  particulai  Congregati- 
ons, then  that  particular  Congregations  will  net  mifl'arrr,  this  ab- 
folute nefs  of  particular  Congregations  is  a  dignity  chat  the  primi- 
tive Churches  did  not  enjoy,  this  is  not  the  common  Priviiedgeof 
Gofpel  Churches  ^  the  primitive  Cliurches  were  under  the  Govern- 
ment of  the  Apoflles,  and  it  feems  that  God  gave  t!:cm  this  Power, 
becaufe  the  ordinary  way  of  Government  could  not  then  be  pradi- 

i  fed,  the  greater  part  of  all  Gentile  Nations  lying  in  their  Hea- 

*  thenifm. 

I  Obj,  I .  We  don't  find  tn  th  Ncvp  Tsjlament^  any  I'-^aUi^ml  Church 

among  the  Gentiles, 

Anfvo.  The  reafon  of  that  is,  not  that  National  Charches  are  not 
according  to  the  mind  of  God,  in  the  Days  or  the  New  Teftamem:^ 
but  becaufe  there  was  no  Nation  that  did  receive  the  Cliriilian  fattli, 
Tho  there  were  many  Congregations  gathered  apiongthe  Gentiles, 
yet  i:here  were  very  few  of  them,  comparitively,  that  did  entertain 
the  Gofpel ;  the  bulk  of  all  the  Gentile  Nation?,  lay  in  tlieir  Hea- 
tiienifni,  during  all  that  time  that  we  have,  the  Hiliory  of  in  the 
Scriptures, 

Obj.  2.  Cod  hath  not  appointed  in  the  Nem  Teftrryft^nt  any  National 
Officers^  as  the  High  Priefi  m  Ifrael,  nor  any  Nat*...,  ..  '*^'^'^  -^^  PTor- 
Jhip  as  jerafalem,  therefore  there  vs  no  Natica.il  Church, 

Anfw.  I.  To  have  one  National  Oincer  over  the  whow,  i^  n^u 
eflentiai  to  the  being  of  a  National  Church  ;  Ifrad  was  a  National 
Church,  t'hen  they  had  no  fuch  National  Officers,  while  the  firft 
Born  did  Exercife  t^e  Office  of  the  Priefls,  before  tbe  reparation  of 
the  Levites  to  that  work.  There  be  feveral  forts  of  civil  Govern- 
■  Rient,aonfv  of  which  are  eHentiai  to  a  RepuMick.  The  being  of  a  Na- 
tional Church  doth  not  neceffitate  this  or  that  form  of  Govern- 

H  «ient^ 

f  . 


iMit :  If  tl^e  W  4.j^TOi2l  Churcli,  v:  follovvs  ti:^i  j^u^i^e  n3nll  be 
fome  to  Rde  over  the  whole,  but  that  this  Power  (liouM  reiicic  ei- 
ther folely,  or  priiicipally  in  one  Man,  dothaotfoliovv^at  all.  It 
was  rateable  to  the  State  of  the  Jewi/k  Church,  that,  there  (hould  be 
one  fupream  OfScer  to-  be  a  Type  of  Chrill  -  buit  now  there  beipg 
no  fud'i  occafion,  the  Church  may  be  governed  wiihout  any  luch,      "  "' 

2.  To  have  one  National  place  of  Woriliip,  is  bat  accidental  to  a 
Natiouil  Chnrch  ;  Jjrad  was  a  National  Church  in  t'sypt^  yet  had  no 
National  place  of  Woriliip  *,  all  the  Wcrfhipof  God^  befides  thai 
which  was  tipical,  nr^ght  be  intended  in  their  Synagog  The  noc 
liaving  a  National  place  of  Woi  fnip,  is  no  hinderance  to  their  be- 
ing Governed  by  a  National  Authority*,  There  may  be  a  National, 
Government  as  well  v/khout,  as  with  a  National  place  of -VVot- 
ihip.  « 

This  National  Church  is  to  be  divided  into  prov inciaL.  and  thofe 
again  fubdivided  into  Ciaihcal  The  Light  of  Nature  teaches  m  to  . 
make  fuch  DiviHons  of  great  Political  Bodies,  that  Government 
may  be  more  eafily  managed.  Natural  prudence  teaches  Men  in  the 
dvii  State^  to  make  fuch  Subordination  of  Courts  of  juflice,  for  the 
benefit  of  the  Common  Wcaltlu  This  is  according  to  the  Counfel 
Adiich  was  given  to  /iiojh^  by  his  father  ii\  Law,  and  approved  by 
God,  Exod.  1 8.  By  the  fame  Rule,  that  the  whole  b  to  PvUle  over  the 
parts,  the  greater  parts  are  to  Rule  over  the  leffer  parts,  for  a  great- 
u'  part,  is^in  whole  refpecting  the  ieircr  parts  into  "which  it  is  di- 
vided. A  County  is  a  part  with  lefped^  to  a  Province,  but  an 
vhole  with  refpedt  to  the  feveral  Congregations  therein,  :-nd  ac- 
-ordingly  may  Exercife  Government  over  them  ;  yet  with  Suboi- 
^nation  to  that  Authority  that  is  over  the  v^hole.  A  gradatiorv 
loth  in  Civil  and  FrHpfiafiical  Authority  is  founded  in  the  very 
--aw  of  Nature, 

Ob).  If  we  grant  a  National  Church  under  the  Goffel^  we  may  as  vfeU 
rant  m  Oecummcal  Chtwch :  thofe  that  plead  for  the  Jurffdi{}i(:n  ofSy-  1 

rods^  refer  ihiyigs  at  Idft  to  the.  Judgment  of  an  Oecumenical  Synod, 
i  Jnfw,  There  is  no  fach  thing  as  an  inftitutedOecumenical  Church; 
tiere  is  a  Cat!  ' '  '  Church,  but  ihat  Notes  all  thofe  that  profefs  the 
rue  Religion  ^-  ml  there  is  no  inftituted  Oecumenical  Churchy  for  ihe 
everal  Chrlllifln  Nations  are  jiot  in  the  fame  Covenant  -j^hcy  are 
ndeed  in  the  fa-iie  fpecial  Covenant,  but  not  in  the  lame  individuaj 
^venant  ^  fo  it  is  here,  one  Nation  may  keep  Covenant,  while 
thev  Nitions  braek  Covoaaat.^^ 

Jv.eitber 


Neither  is  there  any  inl..v..i....  .,.  vjc^^uni^x. 

cDiild  co'nvcney  they  have  no  Autborkf^  their'  coriiUi.,;.^. 

be  of  feme  uf€  to  others,  bat  they  have  no  Antlifority. -A  r.ittiuiivi' 

Synod^  is  the  higheft  Ecclefiafdcal  Authority  upon  Earth.' 


1 


H  A  R     IX 

Of  the  Government  of  Natto^ 


rcfoes. 


SUch  Proteftants  ss  have  acknovvledgsi;^,  i^k.  luucf       ' 

'.^ been  divided  about  the  form  of  Govcrnm^.ii»:  lo  dc  pract^ 
mongthem  \  fome  of  them  are  for  amixtOoyernment" 
Arch'Bifhops,  and  Bii^iOp"??,  and  partly  by  Synods^  fo  the  C 
England  ^  Some  have  Governed  by  a  Synod  alone,"  fo  the  Church  ov 
Scotland  •  and  this  Government  feerns  rnoil  Confonant  to  the  Word 
of  God,    Synods  have  been  generally  acknowledged  in  ml  Churches.  . 
but  upon  diuering  grounds,  ioaie  have  founded  them  upoa  that  Role'' 
of  prudence,  Prov,  1,4.  66,  htihe  Multhudc  of  Counf:Ucri  th^r- 
faftty^  but  if  they  be  grounded  upon  this^  they  have  no  other  .,..,,. 
bat  to  counfel  and  advife.^  and  they  can  iiave  no  Authority  •  all  F-  -'-^  - 
fiailical  Authority  does  depend  upon  an  Inftiturion,  their  Aui.. .: 
mufl  be  derived  from  God.    Some  do  found  it  upon  that  Exanii,  :. 
j^B.  15.  But  this  was  not  prorxiriy  a  Synod,  this  was  not  the  tiieei.^ 
ingof^the  Elders  of  many  Churches^  but  of  the  Apqfth 
of  the  Church  of  Jerufakm^  tog-cther  with;  the  Bret' 
doubt  but  the  Apoftles,  who  were  parc'cf  that  Affemuiv..  ..  ui 
Powerof  aSynod.  But  the  F:  n  of  Synods '    :  :iriyt-\t.r  pub- 

lick  Covenant,  which  is  between  ijod  and  his  Pe.jpie^  pardyhisln. 
ftitution  in  the  Old  Teftament^  and  partly  the  Rules'  IM  down 
the  Churches  to  walk  by  in  the  New  Tedament, 

I.  This  Publick  Covenant  fliew>  he  whr^itf  V:.?ift:  Ri        - 

parts.   The  P.ule  and  Government  dor 

theChiirch-5  the  Church  hsth  ^     ^^  tto  vn  h  Thas] 

Originally  with  all  Nations  as  to  their  cnil  Goverii: ., .  .  u)  ali>, 
to  .Ecckfiaftical,  and  therefore  the  Exercife  of  this  Govern r^ 
mufl:  be  in  th'e  hands  of  fome  that  do  legally  repref^-^-'^  ^' < 
if  it  be  not  by  fome  that  reprcferit the  whokj  "  ..i^/ic 


ies  and  Eider :> 


^! 


i        rcation  of  the  whole 
^*uiv.i!.      u_   .  .      .viihaSyiiod,  they  are  either  the  Elders  of  the 
feveral  Churches,  if  the  Country  be  not  too  Numerous,  or  fuch  as 
arediofenby  the  Elders,  if  the  Country  be  large  and  numerous 
and  thdearc  a  legal  reprefentatioii  of  the  Churches^  the  Elders 
of  the  Churches  are  clTofen  to  that  Office,  to  be  Rulers  of  the  feve 
ral  Churches^  and  in  cafe  there  be  need.   They  have  Power  to  M^fi 
ouL  of   themfelves,  iuch  a  Company  as  may  conveniently  meet 
'•-!t.h  whom  tteir  Power  (hall  be  emrufted.  The  Light  of 'Nature 
teaches,  chat  xm  Goverainent  muil:  be  commicted  to  fuch  a  Number ^ 
^•^  fhall  act         racapabie  by  reaibh  of  thdr  Number,  to  afTembk 
^1         "courie   together^    for  otherwife  the  Government  of   the 
CiiViTch  vvviuld  not  be  a  thing  practicable.  ^• 

Thn:u.t  is  not  with  Bifi^ops,  they  do  noc  legally  repreier. 
C^tJlrch  ;  for  they  are  not  chofsn  by  the  Church,  "^they  are  not  Per- 
iom  ekf^ed  bv  the  Church  lo  A<5t  in  their  behalf,  but  are  put  ioto 
theii  ,  V,  .vii  Authority  ;  and  how  can  the\=  v^prefcnr  the 
Church  who  do  nor  delire  any  Authority  from  the  C  hmch  »  and  fe- 
condiy,,  tbeir  Oifice  is  not  of  Divine  Inftituticn.  and  '  ..a  they 
who  are  not  of  Divine  appointment,  legally  reprefti..  ..i^  Church  ? 
Thofe  whofe  Omceis  not  acknowledged  in  the  I  -/^  of  Gi 
legally  reprefent  the  Church  of  God. 

"i.  Tbi  Church  "'  ''•  "^-^mf  was  Governed  by  a  c-uuijfel  of  feven- 
ty  two  PeffonSv  Soa.c  aiv  of  Opinion  that  the  Jews  had?botb  an  Ec- 
cieiiaitical  and  a  civil  Samd^im^  this  is  evident,  that  in  Chrills  time 
rhey  had  a  Councei  that  did  conCil  in  a  great  part  of  the  Priefts, 
A^.  14.  6/and22.  30.  And  that  God  appointed  the  Priells  and 
other  Judges  to  joyn  together  in  hearing  of  Controverfics,  Deut 
19.  17.  So  alfo  that  there  was  an  afRrmbly  of  the  chief  -of  the 
Priefls  and  Levites,  appointed  by  Jeho/hapLit  to  hear  Ecclefiaftical 
cades,  2  Ckon.  19/S:  And  that  the  Bigh  Prieil  was  over  them  in 
ihofe  Ecclefiailical  caufes,  v.  i  \.  By  tbcf^  things  it  is  evident,  that 
^he  Church  of  i'Jrael  wasGoverned  by  an  AlTembiy  of  the  Principal 
JVlen  of  the  Church.  ChriR  Jcfus  doth  approve  of  their  form  of 
feover'n.Tient  that  was.ia  his  time,  /U.tUh,   23.  2,,^.    By  Pvkfts, 


God,  Cannot 


Scribes,  Pharifees.  By  this  it  is  not  only  evident,  that  the  Govern- 
rxicnt  of  a  National  or  Provincial  Clrurch,  by  an  Ailembly  of  its 
Principal  Elaers,  is  aiproper  futeable  aud  hopeful  way,  but  iikewife 
:bat  this  way  is  to  be  obferveQ  in  Chriliian  Nations,  feeing  noo- 
her  Provifion  is  r.Vddc  for  their  Government  5  many  of  the  ap- 
3ointmcnt  "  t  God  made  for  the  Jewip)  Church,  do  continue  im 
Dree  (iin,  nno  this  among  the  teftji  no  other  Provifion  being  made 

vet 


m 


.t     U' 


ai. 


;..•.  .-•liow'that  oiir  AfTemblic.^  .r..i(l  havv  -.i-ylhuu: 
prefidenc,  as  the  ^empj  A&vhh\ks  \md  chcIrHigb  Prielt:/  whovv 
their  preOdent,  and  ;vui>  a  Type  of  Chrift  ^  ncicher  does  it  follow 
that  we  arc  limittcd  to  the  Tame  Number  that  they  were,  Clrcum- 
ftances  being  a  fufficient  realba  tor  a  variation  in  fuch  cafe^ 


:r>» 


The  appointment  of  Chrifl,  that  Teaching  and  Ruling  Elders 
fnould  Govern  the  Church,  flievvs  the  Power  of  Synods  ;  thefe  are 
appointed  by  Chrift  to  be  the  Rulers  of  the  Church,  i  Tim.  v 
i^eb.  13.  17.  There  arc  no  other  appointed  to  be  Rulers  of  r hc^ 
Church  ilnce  the  Age  of  the  ApoiUcs-j  therefore  the  Government  of 
^:lr^  National  Church  mult  be  in  their  hands-,  none  but  they  have 
any  Intereil  in  the  Publick  Government  *,  there  is  no  Warrant  from 
the  Word  of  Gcd  to  iutruflthe  Governmeatin  the  hands  of  aay 
others,  and  there  is  iufficient  Warrant  fcf  theiii^  to  take  upon 
them  the  Government  cf  tiie  National  Churchy  and  tliis  by  Vjrtue 
of  tiKir  Office.  If  ther«  be  a.  Publick  Co v-^enant,  every  Church  is 
bound  in  ConjuudiOii  with  others  •  to  fee  the  Covenant  kept^  and 
tht :r  Rulers,  vHth  whom  their  Power  ^  '  iillcu,  are  bound  by  Vir- 
tue of  their  Office,,  to  joyn  with  otheis  to  fee  their  Covenant  kept; 
fo  that  their  Acting  in  a  fynod,  is  not  by  Virtue  of  any  New  Office! 
A  Miniiter  by  Virtue  of  his  MiniHeriai  funftion,  hath  Power  in 
Conjunction  with  others,  to  Govern  the  National  or  Pvovincial 
Church. 


Obj.  If  Minifig's  have  a  Bond  'upon  them^  to  icyy;.  with  others  in  the 

f  the.  National  or  Provincial  Churchy. then  thtjf  feem  in  theiy 

Perfons  to  b^  bound  to  attend  that  Service  ;  which  :f  all  i       .  do  inNi- 

tioKdl  Synods^'  th^.  Synods  would  he  fo  large  a  Body^  thai  they  could  not 

Uijr.irfe together^  ayid  it rvould be aii  intolerable  frf''^'-^^^'  to  th'-!"^  Con- 

yrrr-y^'ny'r     ^-^/j-r-j  vr-urh  -^PWhipA  f)f  th^i'''  Lah0UX^> 


^■injv..    rHe  Power  .^^  ^liUufting  ..-.:. ^,^^^^0  wctuaii-u^ 
'^*  and  Law  of  Nature^  there  being  aiieceillty  0^  ■-  -     ' 
^meat  cf  Societies,  and  *'  ~     i?  uo-neceillr v 
jH  in  this  cafe^,  the  neccniiy  or  Jiumaae  ' 
..a«iti, government  be         ;ited  with  lucri  a  Naaibti   t: 
'  to  advantage  to  the  Pabl'.  "  :her  is  t' 

>ed  in  guiit  h'^  fuch  :•  n.  :::.;od  i  :r  of 

-  it  Student  arid  Holy  of  the  Eid:  .  )vern 


I 


tne 


h 


pwjgB.-ra-. 


li 


ell  according  to  the  mind  rf  God,,  as  trie 
Eiders  of  a  Nation. 


V4iaww  ^>«>.'a''«n> 


C  H-A  p.    X. 

*  Of  the  Power  qf  Synods. 


T 


Q. 


H  E   Power  ot.  Syaods  doth  conilfl   principally    ia  theH 
things. 


I .  They  are  to  teach  the  People,  thet  are  to  hold  forth 
LigKt  iTiito  the  Church,  that  was  a  pare  of  the  work  of  the 
Sanedrrm  at  Jemfatem^  to'  teach  the  People  the  will  of  God, 
Mattb,  2^.  2,  :  That  was  the  fpecial  work  of  the  Levites^ 
De«i\  33.  TO.  That  Affembly  mentioned,  A/^  15.  Met  together 
to  give  Light  to.  the  People  of  God. 

It  is  v\u>  meet;  thaK;  Syaods  do  Pi^blifh  canfeffions  01  idich^ 
not  only  to  bear  Teltimony  to  the  World,  aud  other  Chriill- 
;m  Kingdoms,  of  their  acknowledging  the  Trutlf,  but  erpeciallj 
to  be  a  Light  unto  the  Churches,  to  guide  them  in  the  v/ay  of 
Lite,  thi*;  hath  ^^enerally  been  praftifed  by  the  Synods  of  the 
reformed  Cliurcbes, 

They  ihould  particulatly  Vindicate  the  Troth,  and  j)eat  their 
eltimony  againll  thnfe  Errors  that  arc  Springing  np^   /^^.  \%, 


y:hem  j.  i.cp''"'  of  vach  degeneracies  as  bring  down  the  jtidg- 
tnencs  f--^  *'  Yet  no  Man  is  bound  to  receive  jhe  Do- 
liitrnics,  ui  i.radiie  the  Rulc.^  heM  forth  by  a  '^'•' •^'5-  be- 
fcaufc    '  ■■-}  are  taught  by  tnenn,    A  Synod  is  not  iniauii^ie,  and 

therefore 


ficrefore  no  Rule,  or   Dodiiuv.,  is  tc 
Jrom  rhetn  ;   Mea  do  owe  that  ^^f"   ' 
'Ordinance  of  God,  foleturdy  to  v; 
.thereby,    but   they  are  »:,o  rt 

'-  •,  vve  are  bo     '  to  prove     ■.     hings 
:  cxiie  againil:  t.hc        ^it  of  rJs  own  Con 
\}^  ochervvife  d'lcerminedj  he  gready  iini* 
-d    may  dired  him  in   3  wron^  xv 
"id  to  any  thing  that  God  ha> 


iKen  UT) 


i  it 


^0  Man  cau  be 


-  They  arc  to  bind*  and  loole,  ^    i^fiir         Ir^fl^fltr^i    rp^^ 


or  to  take  them  oif :  ih«  fl.  ... 


■  ;  A   »^<»^   *»'«^4A       iA*-i 


..are  Power  cf  fodgment,  that  to   ;..^re  may  no  pu;;, 
lye  upon  t^^"  '^luuch  ,  if  they  have  not  Power  of   Juu^- 
<.,   Particnlai   rwiibns       -^  "^     ^.--.^.m-^    -,  ^  .1..  .-:,...„   .. 

^terics^  aad  many  \ii-^        lu^i.  i-uuiuiiuv: 
le^y  the  Countrv    '  v  ,  ^^^ 

Efficient  vfay  tc  atuver  iDc  Laaa  tiOni  guiic.    byaoa^  navc 
sr  to  Admonish,  to  Excorr  te^  s   '    'elivcr  frairi  ti' 

ires,    and  every  Mai         it  Icand  tc  iivj  jadgment  of 
iNJcUonal  Synod,  I 

They  are  to  Judge  in  cafe  of  Cor  _  -  Perr-^n, 

judges  hiiTifelf  wrong^^d-  by  the  lu-  _.  a  partkniiar  Chi?.i 


are  to^ake  off  the  fentence  and  reitoie  the;  Man  nato  his  pri- 
viledgt.  *  '  .  ' 

They  arc  to  judge  ia  cafe  of  other  Cj.iM;^^-^^^^^*  if  ^ny  Man 
hith  a  Complaiat  againft  another^  -acd  ca^irfot  ot^sin  ahaming 


or  other  fcand'alous  Corruption.  tb.e  Synod  4s  t. 
she  cafe,  and  they  may  not  only  ceafure  \ 
whole  Churches  alfo  ia  cafe  of  need. 


and 


S^ncd'^ 


opcr'^ 


-''fiasESB&;i^^ 


;;«SK5'iSS* 


tiiasess»st»^'. 


■i*tSI9»*itn»n«*ittti^gatr«aMm^  )»«lw/>c>MMh 


\ 


^r       t 


1 

I 


.>> 


^ 


n^f" 


♦ 


i 


